Oh boy, let me tell you about one of my best-loved one-pot wonders that could warm the cockles of anyone’s heart – good old lentil soup! It’s as comforting as a soft blanket on a wintry evening, packed with hearty, healthy ingredients and brimming with wholesome goodness.
Now, don’t get me started on the preparation of this homely dish, it’s a no-brainer. Are you with me? Alright then, let’s get stuck in. What I absolutely adore about this quintessential soul warmer are the iron-rich lentils bobbing around, absorbing all those robust flavours like eager little sponges. At the drop of a hat, we begin with a rainbow array of veggies like carrots, celery and onions – the holy trinity that forms the backbone of flavour, sautéed till they’re singing their sweet song, permeating the air and getting those bellies growling.
Bob’s your uncle! Once that’s done, in go the rinsed lentils, like tiny pebbles with giant hearts, ready to guzzle up the deeply comforting broth. I often throw in a pinch of this and a dash of that, spices like cumin and coriander, playing their parts in the flavour symphony. It’s just music to the taste buds, I tell ya!
And here’s the clincher – simmering it all down with love and patience until those lentils are soft, while the aroma fills the home, tickling the senses and setting stomachs rumbling like thunder. Before you know it, dinner is served!
Just slurping up a spoonful of this delightful soup is like getting a warm hug from the inside out. You wouldn’t give it up for love or money. So go wild, give it a shot, and I bet my bottom dollar you’ll fall in love with this pitch-perfect pot of deliciousness, just like I did!
Let’s Get To Work!
– Gather your ingredients: 2 cups of lentils (rinsed), 1 diced carrot, 2 stalks of celery (diced), 1 large onion (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder, salt and pepper to taste, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they start to soften.
– Stir in minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, just until the raw smell of garlic fades away.
– Add the cumin and coriander to the pot, stirring well to coat the veggies with the spices. Allow cooking for another 2 minutes so the spices can release their aromas.
– Toss in your rinsed lentils, stirring well to combine everything.
– Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a boil.
– Lower the heat and allow the soup to simmer. Let it cook for about 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened.
– Check if more salt or pepper is needed and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
– Serve your homemade Lentil Soup warm, possibly with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for a dash of color.
Variations can include adding diced tomatoes, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end or perhaps some shredded spinach for added nutrition. You can’t go wrong with this hearty and versatile soup!
That was fresh!
