Lentil Vegetable Soup
Try this Lentil Vegetable Soup recipe or contribute your own.
Try this Lentil Vegetable Soup recipe or contribute your own.
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tbs tomato paste
- sea salt and black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 3 celery ribs chopped
- 1-1/2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large red onion chopped
- 1 bunch collard green leaves sliced into ribbons
- 1 lb heirloom tomatoes diced
- 1 qt vegetable broth (here's one i use)
- 3 (or more) spicy piquillo peppers sliced (i used the marinated ones at my local olive bar) (you can buy these)
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 2 raw pieces of huang qi (astragalus) (optional)
- microgreens for garnish (optional)
- Carbohydrate 13.4470363999297 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.388248289995231 g
- Fiber 4.58797230633708 g
- Protein 4.66414214253093 g
- Saturated Fat 0.059936643931546 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (150g)
- Sodium 54.0247697466774 mg
- Sugar 8.85906409359259 g
- Trans Fat 0.102497345765187 g
- Calories 71 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and saute until the veggies start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
- Add sliced collard leaves and stir for about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes and stir until combined.
- Pour in the broth.
- Add the peppers and lentils.
- Add raw Chinese herbs if using.
- Stir in parsley.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let cook about 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, but not mushy.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with microgreens if desired.
- Enjoy
My Comforting Lentil Vegetable Soup
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to spend my precious evenings doing is slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I rely heavily on simple, yet satisfying recipes that can be prepared quickly and efficiently. This Lentil Vegetable Soup is one of my absolute go-to's. It's packed with flavor, incredibly nutritious, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. I can easily adapt it to whatever vegetables I have on hand – sometimes I add zucchini, other times spinach – it always turns out amazing.
The hearty lentils provide a substantial protein boost, making it a perfect meal for a busy day or a satisfying lunch to pack for work. The vegetables add a vibrant color and a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy lentils. I love the subtle spice from the piquillo peppers; they add a lovely depth of flavor without being overly spicy, making it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. The entire process takes barely an hour, from start to finish, leaving me with plenty of time to tend to other responsibilities. It's the kind of recipe that makes me feel accomplished and nourished, both physically and emotionally. The comforting warmth of the soup on a chilly evening is an added bonus. It’s truly a taste of home, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life, even amidst the chaos of a busy schedule. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a future quick meal, a perfect example of how a little planning can make a big difference.
I often serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping – the perfect way to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. It's also a wonderful meal to share with family and friends, especially during the colder months. The aromatic steam and the hearty flavors create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect dish to gather around. This soup is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to my commitment to healthy eating without sacrificing time or convenience. It’s a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of life, I can prioritize nutritious and delicious food without sacrificing time or sanity. The simplicity and wholesomeness of this soup make it a truly treasured recipe in our home. I find that making this soup reduces my stress and somehow makes everything seem more manageable.
Beyond its ease and health benefits, I love how versatile this soup is. I've experimented with different variations, adding things like different types of beans, spices, or even a splash of coconut milk for added creaminess. It's a wonderful base recipe that allows for endless possibilities based on your own preferences and what's available in the pantry or farmers market. The possibilities are endless, making it a perfect recipe to customize to your personal liking. This allows me to keep my meals exciting and prevents cooking from becoming a chore.
