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Nothing beats a steaming bowl of homemade lentil soup on a cold winter day. I've perfected this recipe over years of making it for my family. Filled with tender lentils fresh vegetables and my special blend of spices it's become our favorite comfort food that won't break the bank.
What Makes This Soup So Special
I love how versatile and forgiving this recipe is. The magic happens when the lentils slowly cook down creating a naturally creamy texture that makes every spoonful satisfying. You can toss it in your slow cooker in the morning or simmer it on the stove while catching up on chores.
What You'll Need
- Red or Green Lentils: ½ cup, pre-soaked and simmered for tender texture.
- Onion: 1 cup, chopped, for a savory base.
- Celery: 1 stalk, chopped, for a crunchy addition.
- Cabbage: 2 cups, shredded, for extra heartiness.
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz), chopped for a rich tomato base.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups, as the flavorful liquid base.
- Carrots: 3, chopped, for natural sweetness.
- Garlic: 1 clove, crushed, for a robust flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, sugar, basil, thyme, and curry powder for depth of flavor.
Starting with the Lentils
Start by giving your lentils a good rinse and pop them in your biggest pot. Cover them with twice the amount of water bring to a boil and let them simmer for 15 minutes. Drain rinse and back in the pot they go.
Building the Soup Base
Now comes the fun part. Toss in your chopped veggies tomatoes broth and that lovely garlic. Season it up with your salt pepper a pinch of sugar and those aromatic spices that make this soup sing.
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Let It Simmer Away
This is where patience pays off. Let everything bubble away gently for about 2 hours. Give it a stir now and then and watch as it transforms into the coziest soup you've ever tasted.
For Busy Days
Some mornings I dump everything in my slow cooker before heading out. Set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 and come home to the most amazing smell and dinner ready to go.
Making It a Meal
My family loves dunking chunks of crusty bread into their bowls. Sometimes we sprinkle on some sharp cheddar or add a spoonful of sour cream. Pure comfort in a bowl.
Saving It For Later
This soup tastes even better the next day. Pop leftovers in the fridge and they'll stay good for 4 days. Just warm it up when you're ready for another bowl.
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Stock Your Freezer
I always make extra to freeze. Once it cools pack it up in freezer containers and you'll have dinner ready for those busy nights. It keeps beautifully for 3 months.
Good for You Too
Each bowl comes in at just 112 calories packed with fiber vitamins and minerals. It's the kind of meal you can feel good about serving your family.
Kitchen Cleanup
A little tip from my kitchen use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. If you're using the stovetop fill the pot with hot water right after serving and cleanup will be a breeze.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I throw in zucchini or peppers when I have them. Switch to veggie stock instead of chicken broth and you've got a perfect vegetarian meal.
Perfect Winter Warmth
There's something so comforting about a pot of soup simmering on a cold day. The spices fill your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma and warm you from the inside out.
Budget Friendly Goodness
My grocery budget loves this recipe as much as my family does. It's easy to double when feeding a crowd and everyone can customize their bowl to taste.
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Pro Tips
Keep the lid on while it simmers stir it occasionally and taste as you go. The soup will tell you what it needs trust your instincts with the seasonings.
Quick Answers
Can I use different lentils? Absolutely any variety works great just keep an eye on cooking time. Want it vegan? Just swap in veggie stock and double check your seasonings.
Perfect Pairings
We love it with a crisp salad or warm focaccia. When we're extra hungry grilled cheese sandwiches or baked sweet potatoes make it a feast.
Make It Heartier
Sometimes I toss in leftover chicken or turkey. Chickpeas work wonderfully too and tofu makes it perfect for my vegetarian friends.
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From My Kitchen to Yours
This soup has been warming hearts in my home for years. It's simple nourishing and absolutely delicious. Give it a try and I bet it'll become a winter favorite in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of lentils?
- Yes, both red and green lentils work well. Red lentils will break down more and create a thicker soup, while green lentils hold their shape better.
- → Is this soup vegetarian?
- The recipe uses chicken broth but can easily be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth. All other ingredients are plant-based.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes very well. Cool completely before freezing and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- → How can I make it more filling?
- Add more vegetables, use more lentils, or serve with crusty bread. You can also top with grated cheddar cheese as suggested.
- → Why pre-cook the lentils?
- Pre-cooking and rinsing the lentils helps remove any impurities and ensures they'll cook evenly with the vegetables. It also helps prevent the soup from becoming too starchy.