Ah, lentil soup. The hearty meal your grandmother used to make to make sure that you were full, warm, and content. This one-pot lentil soup is a protein-rich and an astoundingly simple recipe. It is the perfect comfort food for when time is tight and you need a hug….in the form of a soup. Let’s explore this truly special ingredient and learn how to make a delicious one-pot lentil soup.
1. Warm Your Heart and Belly with One-Pot Lentil Soup
Lentils are a versatile legume, packed with protein and flavor! This one-pot lentil soup warms the heart and belly with an easy-to-make, nutritious and delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this scrumptious soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 cup dry lentils, picked over and rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Start by heating the oil in a medium-size pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery seed, cumin and coriander. Cook until the onions are softened and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Then, add the lentils, vegetable broth, carrots and red pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Once the lentils are tender, stir in the salt, pepper, and parsley. Add a little more broth or water if you want a soupier consistency. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes and then turn off the heat. Serve the lentil soup hot and enjoy!
2. Protein-Packed Lentils Make This Dish a Nutritional Powerhouse
Lentils are an excellent plant-based source of protein, with a single cooked cup of lentils providing almost 18 g of protein — almost twice as much as a large egg. What’s more, lentils are highly versatile, with a range of different varieties, including green, brown, black, and red, providing a wide variety of flavor profiles to explore.
When combined with a mix of root vegetables, flavorful herbs, and spices, lentils make an incredibly delicious, nourishing, and filling dish.
This dish offers an impressive selection of essential nutrition:
- Iron: Lentils are an excellent source of iron, essential for healthy red blood cells and oxygen delivery, plus energy production.
- Fiber: Lentils are a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber, helping to keep our digestive systems healthy.
- Complex Carbohydrates: The combination of lentils and root vegetables offer complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and improved brain alertness.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: The added vegetables give the dish a nutritional boost, with beneficial vitamins and minerals to protect our cells and keep our immune systems healthy.
With such a tasty and nourishing combination, this dish really is a nutritional powerhouse. And with so much deliciousness to dive into, it will be sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
3. An Easy and Delicious Comfort Food
From a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day to a creamy mac and cheese when you need a hug, comfort food is one of life’s little joys. Here are three easy and delicious comfort food recipes that will bring a smile to your face.
Homemade Mac and Cheese
It doesn’t get much more comforting than homemade mac and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe features a creamy cheese sauce over savory elbow macaroni. Choose your favorite cheese for the sauce, and add bacon, peppers, or other vegetables for an extra decadent treat.
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 3 cups of milk
- 2 cups of grated cheese
Crispy Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken takes comfort food to the next level. This classic southern dish is the perfect way to bring warmth and happiness to your table. All you need is chicken, seasoned flour, eggs, and your favorite oil for frying. Serve it with some mashed potatoes and gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- 2 lbs of chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
Coconut Lime Rice
Coconut and lime give this delicious rice dish a tropical vibe that will make you feel like you’re on a beach in paradise. The addition of garlic, onions, and cilantro provide depth of flavor that is sure to please. It’s a great side dish to serve with fish, chicken, or pork.
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups of coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons of lime zest
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- ¼ cup of chopped cilantro leaves
4. Crafting the Perfect One-Pot Lentil Soup
Lentil Soup Recipe
- large pot
- large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1 large carrot (diced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup lentils (rinsed)
- 4-4.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Get your large pot ready and preheat it. Heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, celery, and carrot and sauté for a few minutes or until the vegetables are softened. Add in the lentils, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, the lentils will be tender. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, you can add in some diced potatoes or diced sweet potatoes. Add them in along with the lentils. Just adjust the vegetable broth according to how much you add in.
For extra flavor, you can also add in some fresh or dried herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and cilantro would all be great here.
This one-pot lentil soup is sure to be a family favorite! Enjoy!
5. The Benefits of Making Lentil-Based Meals
Making lentil-based meals can do wonders for your health, your taste buds, and your wallet. This amazingly versatile legume is bursting with essential nutrients and packed with protein, making it insanely nutritious — plus, it tastes delicious and is super affordable.
Nutrition
- High amounts of iron, protein, fiber, and folate
- Abundance of vitamins and minerals
- High antioxidant content and low glycemic index
Not only is lentil-based cuisine incredibly nutrient-dense, it’s also really convenient. You don’t need to soak them overnight like other legumes, because they’re smaller and cook quickly. They also have a longer shelf-life compared to fresh veggies.
Taste & Variety
- Many varieties of lentils for a variety of flavours and dishes
- Can be easily flavored with herbs and spices
- Substitute for other ingredients like meat or rice
Not to mention, lentil-based meals are super affordable. They’re much cheaper than other proteins, like meat and fish, and can be used in place of more expensive ingredients like ground beef or sausage. This option not only saves you a bunch of money, but it’s also much healthier for your body.
6. Enjoy Lentil Soup All Year Round
Lentil soup is a great way to add a splash of flavor to your diet all year round. This hearty, protein-packed meal is a fantastic way to get your nutrients and warm up on cold days. Here are just a few of the many benefits of consuming lentil soup.
Easy to Prepare
Lentil soup is one of the easiest meals to make. All you need is some lentils, chopped vegetables, and broth, and you’re ready to go. No need to worry about complicated recipes or hard-to-find ingredients, lentil soup is fast and simple.
High in Fiber, Protein & Vitamins
Lentil soup is a nutrient-packed powerhouse. Lentils are loaded with protein, dietary fiber, and an assortment of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium, and folate. They’re also low in fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthy, balanced meal.
Fewer Calories Than Soup Made with Other Meats
Unlike traditional soups, like beef stew or chicken noodle, lentil soup is much lower in calories and fat. You can enjoy a big bowl without worrying about wasting away your calorie budget for the day.
So, why not give lentil soup a try? With its tasty flavor, healthy benefits, and easy preparation, it’s a great way to add some variety to your diet. Here are a few of our favorite recipes:
- Classic Lentil Soup
- Tomato Lentil Soup
- Curried Lentil Soup
- Vegan Lentil Soup
One-pot lentil soup is an easy and flavorful addition to your meal plan that can satisfy your craving for a comforting dish! Whether you’re looking for an easy vegan option or just something that tastes good, the healthy and filling combination of lentils, vegetables and spices is hard to beat. Enjoy a bowl of this hearty and nutritious soup, and let it fill you up with warmth and contentment!