The Very Best Mediterranean Lentil SoupVeg
Warm up with this hearty and healthy Mediterranean-inspired lentil soup. This classic one-pot recipe is packed with protein-rich green lentils, aromatic fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh kale, and a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery. Seasoned with garlic, cumin, basil, and thyme, it is finished with a bright splash of lemon juice for the perfect balance of flavors. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, it is an ideal meal for easy prep and comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics:
2 nos. Carrot
2 ribs of Celery
1 no. Yellow Onion (chopped)
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
3 leaves Kale (finally chopped)
Pantry & Spices:
1 cup Olive oil
2 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Dry Basil
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
28 ounces of Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Vegetable broth or water : 6 cups total
Green lentils : 1 cup, rinsed and cleaned
Finishing:
1 no. Lemon Juice
Instructions
1
Wash, peel, and dice the carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
2
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion.
3
Sauté for about five minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
4
Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, cumin, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for one to two minutes to toast the spices and release their natural aromas.
6
Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth (or a mix of broth and water), and the rinsed green lentils.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot loosely and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
8
Use an immersion blender to spot-blend the soup in a few areas if you prefer a slightly creamier texture while maintaining some chunks.
9
Stir in the sliced kale and fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking for another minute or two until the kale has softened.
10
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper if desired before serving.
