Rustic Smoky Lentil Soup

Name: Rustic Smoky Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup green lentils; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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This Rustic Smoky Lentil Soup is the perfect antidote to a chilly day. With its smoky undertones and hearty texture, it's a comforting bowl of goodness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Ideal for those who appreciate simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

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Ingredients for Rustic Smoky Lentil Soup

Olive oil starts off the flavor base with a touch of richness. Onion and garlic lend a savory depth as they caramelize slightly in the pot. The carrots and celery add a lovely sweetness and crunch, balancing the smokiness. Smoked paprika is the star, delivering that coveted smoky aroma, while ground cumin provides a warm, earthy note. Dried thyme adds a hint of herbal freshness. Green lentils are the backbone of the dish, providing protein and a satisfying texture. Vegetable broth ties everything together with its savory base, while diced tomatoes bring acidity and body. A bay leaf infuses the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with apple cider vinegar for a pop of brightness. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to purée a portion of the soup before serving.
Cook the onions slowly for a deeper flavor base; patience pays off here.
Rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot to remove any dust or debris.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic toast. For a light meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. If you're feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy contrast to the smoky flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?: Red lentils cook much faster and will result in a different texture. If you prefer a thicker, puréed soup, they can be a good substitute.
How long does the soup keep?: Stored in an airtight container, this soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?: Absolutely! Simply sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the lentils are tender.

Rustic Smoky Lentil Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it shimmers, throw in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Give them a good stir and let them cook until the onions turn translucent—this should take about 5 minutes.

Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes until they start to soften. You'll start to smell the sweetness of the vegetables, which is your cue to proceed.

Now, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried thyme. Stir them in for about a minute. This quick step blooms the spices, releasing their flavors into the oil, making the base of your soup fragrant.

Add the green lentils to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Drop in a bay leaf. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently. It will take about 30-35 minutes for the lentils to become tender.

After simmering, remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the apple cider vinegar right before serving; this brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a splash of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Rich, smoky flavor that elevates traditional lentil soup.
Nutritious and filling, packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
Uses pantry staples, saving you a trip to the store.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup green lentils

6 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.

2. Add carrots and celery, cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender.