Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Lentil Soup featuring tender green lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs, finished with tangy feta cheese and crispy olive oil-toasted bread. This comforting dish is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound dried green lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- 4 slices crusty bread, such as baguette or sourdough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Lentils: Stir in minced garlic, bay leaves, fresh thyme sprig, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, rinsed lentils, and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Prepare Crispy Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the bread slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprig from the soup. Ladle soup into bowls, then top with crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a slice of the crispy toasted bread on the side.
Notes
- Rinsing lentils helps remove any debris and reduces cooking time.
- Adjust salt according to your broth’s sodium content.
- For a creamier texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- Substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- The fresh herbs add a vibrant aroma; dried thyme can be used if fresh isn’t available.
Keywords: lentil soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, Mediterranean lentils, easy soup recipe, feta cheese soup topping
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/lentil-soup-recipe-2/
