If you are looking for a hearty and nutritious meal, you cannot go wrong with a delicious lentil soup. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
In this recipe, we will show you how to make a scrumptious lentil soup with carrots and celery that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of dried lentils
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Begin by rinsing the lentils under cold water and picking out any debris or stones. Then, soak them in a bowl of water for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
While the lentils are soaking, heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and garlic and sauté them for about 3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and translucent.
Step 3
Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and sauté them for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
Drain the lentils and add them to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and tender.
Step 6
Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender and puree it in batches.
Step 7
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve it hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Side Dishes for This Recipe
While this lentil soup recipe is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Here are a few ideas for side dishes that go well with this soup:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this soup. Simply slice a baguette, brush it with garlic butter, and toast it in the oven for a few minutes.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad is a great way to balance out the heartiness of the soup. Try tossing together some baby spinach, arugula, and kale with a simple vinaigrette.
- Rice: Adding a side of rice to this lentil soup can help make it a more substantial meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting some vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, can add a pop of color and flavor to your meal. Simply toss them with some olive oil and roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
Secrets About This Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy meal, this lentil soup recipe is sure to satisfy you. Here are a few secrets about this recipe that make it even better:
Use Fresh Vegetables: The flavor of this soup really comes through when you use fresh vegetables. Be sure to chop your carrots, celery, and onion just before adding them to the pot.
Add Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle flavor to the soup and help balance out the earthiness of the lentils. Simply add a few leaves to the pot while the soup is simmering.
Blend Some of the Soup: To give the soup a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. This will break down some of the lentils and vegetables and create a smoother consistency.
Serve with Rice: While this soup is delicious on its own, serving it with side rice is a great way to make it a more substantial meal. Try pairing it with this delicious stuffed eggplant recipe for a complete and satisfying meal.
Benefits of Lentils for Health
Lentils are not only delicious, but they are also packed with essential nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. Here are some of the key health benefits of lentils:
Rich in Protein
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, containing about 18 grams of protein per one cup cooked serving. This makes them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans looking to increase their protein intake.
High in Fiber
Lentils are also high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, reduces the risk of constipation, and may even lower the risk of colon cancer.
Heart-Healthy
Lentils are a good source of soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.
Low in Fat
Lentils are naturally low in fat, with less than one gram of fat per one cup cooked serving. This makes them an ideal food for those looking to manage their weight or reduce their overall fat intake.
Packed with Nutrients
Lentils are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones, preventing anemia, and supporting overall immune function.
Properties of Celery
Celery is a vegetable that is known for its numerous properties and health benefits. Here are some of the properties of celery:
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Diuretic
- Alkaline
- Antioxidant
This lentil soup with carrot and celery recipe is a great choice for those looking for a delicious and healthy meal. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other important nutrients, while carrots and celery add flavor, color, and numerous health benefits.
If you’re looking for more healthy and flavorful recipes, be sure to check out the stuffed eggplant recipe, which is a delicious and satisfying dish that features rice, eggplant, and Parmesan cheese. With these recipes, you can enjoy delicious and wholesome meals that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
