Vegetarian Lentil Soup (Print version)

A hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup with tender lentils, vegetables, tomatoes, lemon, and greens.

# Ingredients:

For the soup base

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery ribs, diced
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For simmering

07 - 1 1/2 cups (300 g) green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
09 - 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

To finish

16 - 2 cups (60 g) chopped kale or baby spinach
17 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
19 - Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, then cook for 6-8 minutes until the onion is soft and the vegetables smell sweet.
02 - Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the garlic is fragrant.
03 - Add the lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, cumin, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
05 - For a thicker soup, blend 1-2 cups of the soup and stir it back into the pot. Leave it unblended for a brothier texture.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Stir in kale or spinach and cook for 2-4 minutes until wilted. Add lemon juice and parsley, then taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon.

# Good to know:

01 - Best made with green or brown lentils for a tender but hearty texture.
02 - The soup thickens as it rests. Add broth or water when reheating.
03 - Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in airtight containers.

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