Description
A hearty and nutritious Veggie-Loaded Lentil Soup packed with vibrant vegetables and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines lentils, carrots, zucchini, and celery simmered in flavorful vegetable broth with cumin, turmeric, and coriander, garnished with fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
Legumes & Broth
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices & Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their flavors to form the base of the soup.
- Cook Veggies: Add diced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but still retain some texture.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in the rinsed dried lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, ground coriander, and season with salt and pepper. Ensure everything is well combined to incorporate the spices evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well melded.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot for a comforting and healthy meal.
Notes
- Rinse lentils well to remove any impurities before cooking.
- You can swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- For a creamier texture, partially mash some of the lentils before serving.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well.
