Are you constantly on the lookout for truly good healthy dinner recipes? You know, the kind that are nourishing but also genuinely delicious and comforting. It can feel like a real challenge to find meals that tick all the boxes. You want something easy for a weeknight, something your family will enjoy, and something that makes you feel great.
Well, I have some fantastic news for you. This lentil soup recipe is one of those special finds. It’s a wonderfully flavorful, hearty, and simple dish that has become a staple in my kitchen. It turns basic pantry ingredients into a warm, inviting meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, but it comes together so quickly. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this lentil soup stand out from the rest? Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore it. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a complete meal in a bowl that delivers on every level. It’s one of my favorite healthy dinner ideas for a reason.
First off, it is incredibly budget friendly. This recipe uses simple, affordable pantry staples like lentils, canned tomatoes, and spices. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy or expensive items to create a gourmet tasting meal. This makes it one of the best cheap dinners for a family.
The texture is simply amazing. It’s rich and lightly creamy without a single drop of cream. How is that possible? There’s a clever little trick involving blending a small portion of the soup and stirring it back in. This simple step gives the whole pot a velvety body that is so satisfying.
It is also a powerhouse of nutrition. Lentils are packed with plant based protein, fiber, and important nutrients like iron. This soup is a fantastic example of clean eating recipes that are filling and provide steady energy. You’ll feel satisfied and nourished after every bowl.
And let’s talk about convenience. This soup is a meal prep dream. The flavors actually get even better the next day, making it a great option for lunches. It also freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and have delicious healthy dinner recipes ready to go anytime.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. These are mostly ingredients you might already have in your pantry and fridge. Here is what you will need to get started.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Making this soup is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. It’s one of those healthy dinner recipes that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 1: Sauté The Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. A quarter cup of oil might seem like a lot, but trust me, it builds a wonderful, rich flavor foundation for the soup.
Once the oil is shimmering slightly, add your chopped onion and carrot. Cook them, stirring every so often, for about five minutes. You are looking for the onion to soften and become a bit translucent.
Step 2: Bloom The Spices
Now it is time to add the garlic, ground cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme. Stir everything constantly for about 30 seconds. This step is quick but important. Cooking the spices briefly in the oil toasts them, which deepens their flavor and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
Next, pour in the lightly drained diced tomatoes. Continue to cook and stir for another few minutes. This allows the tomatoes to cook down a little and sweeten, adding another layer of flavor to your soup.
Step 3: Simmer The Soup
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in one teaspoon of salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth. Give it a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
Turn the heat up to bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it gently simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy; they should still hold their shape.
Step 4: Create The Creaminess
This is the magic step for that wonderful texture. Carefully transfer about two cups of the soup to a blender. Make sure the lid is on tight. Place a kitchen towel over the lid to protect your hands from any steam, and blend until smooth.
Pour this puréed portion back into the pot and stir it all together. If you have an immersion blender, you can simply blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Finish With Greens And Lemon
Stir in the chopped collard greens or kale. Let the soup cook for about five more minutes, just until the greens are tender. You want them to be wilted but still have a nice green color.
Finally, take the pot off the heat. Stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice. Now is the time to taste your creation. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice until the flavors really pop. The lemon juice brightens everything up beautifully.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is that it stores wonderfully. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool down completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This soup also freezes perfectly. Pour the cooled soup into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for several months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Tips
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas to customize your soup. These tips can help you get the most out of one of our favorite clean eating recipes.
For serving, a bowl of this soup is fantastic on its own. But if you want to make it extra special, serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a nice pairing.
Feel free to experiment with the greens. While kale and collards are great, you could also use spinach. Just be sure to add spinach at the very end, as it wilts much faster.
If you like a bit more heat, don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes. You can add an extra pinch or two with the other spices or even sprinkle some on top of your bowl when serving.
Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end. It might seem like a small detail, but a squeeze of fresh citrus cuts through the richness of the lentils and makes all the other flavors shine. It is a key step for the best taste.
Conclusion
There you have it, one of the most satisfying and simple healthy dinner recipes you can make. This lentil soup is more than just a meal. It is a bowl of comfort that is packed with flavor and goodness. It is a testament to the fact that cheap dinners for a family can also be incredibly delicious and nourishing.
I truly hope this becomes one of your go to healthy dinner ideas. It is a recipe that is easy to love and even easier to make. So get out your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a wonderful homemade soup that will warm you from the inside out.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Lentil?
Yes, you can, but cooking times may vary. Brown or green lentils are recommended because they hold their shape well. Red lentils tend to break down and become mushy, which would change the texture of the soup, so it is best to stick with brown or green for this recipe.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free. Just be sure to use a vegetable broth that is certified gluten free, as some brands can contain hidden gluten. Always check the label if you have a sensitivity.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe to clean out your vegetable drawer. Chopped celery, diced potatoes, or sweet potatoes would all be wonderful additions. Add them along with the onions and carrots to ensure they have enough time to cook until tender.
How Can I Add More Protein?
Lentils are already a great source of plant based protein. However, if you are looking for an extra boost, you could stir in a can of rinsed chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Serving the soup over a scoop of cooked quinoa is another great option.
Hearty & Flavorful Lentil Soup
This hearty and flavorful lentil soup is a nourishing, budget-friendly meal that tastes like it simmered for hours, yet comes together quickly. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a wonderfully comforting and easy weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking for about five minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the garlic cloves, ground cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Then, add the lightly drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in salt and red pepper flakes, then season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Carefully transfer about two cups of soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Return the puréed soup to the pot and stir.
- Stir in the chopped collard greens or kale and cook for about five more minutes until tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in one tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Notes
If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool down completely before storing. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
This soup also freezes perfectly. Pour the cooled soup into freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for several months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Feel free to experiment with the greens. While kale and collards are great, you could also use spinach. Just be sure to add spinach at the very end, as it wilts much faster.
Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end. It might seem like a small detail, but a squeeze of fresh citrus cuts through the richness of the lentils and makes all the other flavors shine. It is a key step for the best taste.
Nutrition
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