Description
A hearty and nourishing lentil and potato soup packed with protein, fiber, and aromatic spices. This easy one-pot meal is budget-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and can be customized with various herbs and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lentils (brown or green), rinsed
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Lentils and Potatoes: Add lentils and potatoes, stirring to coat with spices.
- Simmer with Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in vegetable broth, add diced tomatoes (with juices) and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Adjust Flavor: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice (if using), and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- For a creamier texture: Blend half of the soup with an immersion blender.
- Additional veggies: Try adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
- Protein boost: Add cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or top with cheese.
- Lentil options: Use red lentils for a softer texture or black lentils for a firmer bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan, Comfort Food
Keywords: Lentil soup, potato soup, vegan soup, hearty soup, meal prep