Lentil soup is a popular dish in many cultures. It is a hearty and nutritious soup made from lentils, a type of legume. Here's a simple recipe for lentil soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Set them aside.
2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir them together with the vegetables.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the cumin and paprika. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
7. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky.
8. Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired. The lemon juice can be squeezed over the soup before eating to add a tangy flavor.