Description
Experience the delightful taste of Lemon Lentil Soup, a nourishing dish perfect for any occasion. This vibrant soup blends the zesty essence of lemon with protein-rich lentils, creating a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch. Bursting with flavors and nutrients, this low glycemic soup is customizable with seasonal vegetables like spinach or kale, making it even more versatile. Enjoy this wholesome recipe that warms you up without weighing you down.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice from 1 lemon (about 5 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: spinach or kale
- To top: parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in vegetable stock, red lentils, bay leaves, turmeric, cumin; stir well. Bring to a boil and then simmer covered for 12-15 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend part of the soup (about 2 cups) until smooth and return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for desired consistency.
- If using spinach or kale, add it now and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes). Adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot topped with fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg