Let’s be real for a second. The question of what to make for dinner can feel like a daily puzzle, right? You want something tasty, something that feels good to eat, and something that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes. I get it completely.
That’s where this amazing lentil soup comes in. It is one of my favorite easy dinner recipes because it checks all the boxes. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. This is a truly wonderful easy healthy dinner you can feel great about serving.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this soup so special? Honestly, it’s the simplicity. You don’t need any fancy gadgets or complicated techniques to make a truly satisfying meal. This is a one pot wonder that comes together with minimal fuss.
It’s also incredibly budget friendly. If you are searching for cheap dinners for a family, lentils are a fantastic choice. They are inexpensive, filling, and so good for you. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to eat well.
We are always looking for more healthy dinner ideas, and this one is a winner. It is loaded with plant based protein, fiber, and vegetables. It’s a wholesome meal that will leave you feeling full and energized, not weighed down.
The flavors are just so deep and comforting. The cumin and curry powder add a gentle warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, especially on a chilly evening. This is one of those easy dinner recipes that tastes like it simmered for hours.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather. The list is simple and full of pantry staples, which is another reason it’s one of the best easy dinner recipes.
- 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
Ready to get started? This process is straightforward, making it a great recipe for beginners. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Sauté The Veggies
First, grab a large Dutch oven or a big pot and warm your olive oil over medium heat. A quarter cup might seem like a lot, but trust me. It builds a beautiful, rich base for the soup.
Once the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onion and carrot. You’ll want to cook these, stirring every so often, for about 5 minutes. The goal is to get the onion soft and translucent. This is a key step for building flavor.
Step 2: Add The Aromatics
Next, it’s time for the garlic and spices. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir everything constantly for about 30 seconds until you can smell those wonderful aromas.
Now, pour in the diced tomatoes. Let them cook for a couple of minutes, stirring often. This little step really deepens their flavor and makes a big difference in the final taste of your easy healthy dinner.
Step 3: Simmer The Soup
Time to add the main players. Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water. Add one teaspoon of salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny bit of warmth. Don’t forget a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
Turn the heat up and bring it all to a boil. Once it’s boiling, partially cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat. You want to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. The lentils should be tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Create A Creamy Texture
Here is a neat trick to make the soup feel extra luxurious without adding any cream. Carefully transfer about two cups of the soup to a blender. Make sure the lid is on tight.
Place a tea towel over the lid to protect your hand from any steam. Blend the soup until it’s smooth, then pour it right back into the pot. You can also use an immersion blender for this. This makes the texture amazing.
Step 5: Finish And Serve
Almost there. Stir in the chopped collard greens or kale. Let them cook for about 5 more minutes, just until they have softened up. Then, take the pot off the heat.
The final touch is a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Start with one tablespoon. Give it a taste. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice until the flavors really pop. Serve it hot and enjoy one of the most delicious easy dinner recipes around.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is that the leftovers are fantastic. It is one of those meals that might even taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Simply store any extra soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about four days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
You can also freeze this soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for several months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating and serving.
A quick note. The soup will thicken up quite a bit as it cools. When you reheat it, you may want to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it back out to your desired consistency.
Tips
Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few simple ideas. Feel free to play around and make it your own. That’s the beauty of simple easy dinner recipes like this one.
If you don’t have collard greens or kale, fresh spinach is a great substitute. Just stir it in at the very end. It will wilt in a minute or two from the residual heat of the soup.
For an even heartier meal, you could add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the carrots and onions. You may need to add a bit more broth and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Serving this soup with a piece of warm, crusty bread is highly recommended. It’s ideal for dipping. A dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of coconut milk on top also adds a lovely creamy finish.
This is one of the best cheap dinners for a family because it is so adaptable. Use whatever hearty vegetables you have on hand. Celery, parsnips, or butternut squash would all be delicious additions. It’s a great way to clean out the veggie drawer and get some fantastic healthy dinner ideas going.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, wholesome, and delicious lentil soup that is perfect for any night of the week. It’s proof that easy dinner recipes can be exciting and incredibly satisfying.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a staple in my kitchen for a reason. It is nourishing, affordable, and just tastes so good. It’s one of those reliable healthy dinner ideas you will turn to again and again.
Happy cooking. I am confident this will become a new favorite in your home. It’s a wonderful meal to share with people you love.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Type Of Lentil?
Yes, you can. This recipe works best with brown or green lentils because they hold their shape well. Red or yellow lentils will also work, but they tend to break down more and will result in a much thicker, creamier soup. Your cooking time might also be a bit shorter.
Is This Soup Vegan And Gluten Free?
It certainly is. This soup is naturally vegan and gluten free. Just make sure your vegetable broth is certified gluten free if you have a serious intolerance. It’s a fantastic easy healthy dinner for almost any dietary need.
What Can I Serve With This Lentil Soup?
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other things. Try serving it with a side of warm crusty bread, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or some fluffy quinoa. A dollop of unsweetened yogurt is also a nice touch.
How Can I Make This Soup Even Heartier?
If you want to make this one of your more filling easy dinner recipes, you can add more vegetables like diced potatoes, celery, or winter squash. You could also stir in a cup of cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa at the end to make it even more substantial.
Easy Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
This easy protein ice cream comes together quickly in just one Ninja Creami pint! It’s a simple, nourishing dessert that tastes rich and creamy, perfect for a healthy treat.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Ninja Creami pint, combine the protein shake, protein powder, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt. Add optional guar gum or pudding mix for extra creaminess.
- Mix with a frother or whisk until the base is completely smooth with no clumps.
- Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours until solid.
- Place the frozen pint into the machine and process using the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ setting.
- If the texture is crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk or shake and use the ‘Re-Spin’ function.
- If desired, create a well in the center, add mix-ins, and use the ‘Mix-In’ function to combine. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Taste the base before freezing and adjust sweetener if needed. Frozen desserts tastes less sweet, so aim for slightly sweeter than you prefer.
Do not fill the pint past the max fill line, as the mixture will expand during freezing and processing.
A full 24-hour freeze is essential for the best, creamiest texture. Rushing this step can result in an icy or soupy consistency.
Feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla protein with frozen berries or adding mint extract for a mint-chip version.
Nutrition
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