🍲 Hearty Lentil Soup 🥣

This comforting lentil soup is the perfect dish for chilly evenings, packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor. It's easy to prepare and makes for excellent leftovers!

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🌍 What Is Hearty Lentil Soup?

Lentil soup is a traditional dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. Made primarily from lentils, vegetables, and spices, it is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fiber. This particular recipe highlights the earthy flavors of lentils, complemented by fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for anyone, especially during the colder months.

🧾 Ingredients

**Base:**

- 1 cup lentils (preferably dark and small)

- 4 cups water

- 2 stalks celery, chopped (including leafy parts)

- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup tomato paste)

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 carrots, chopped

- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt, to taste

**Optional:**

- Spinach (added towards the end)

- Sausage or other meats (for non-vegetarians)

- Additional vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Lentils:**

- Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a large pot.

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- Fill the pot with 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil.

2. **Cook the Lentils:**

- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the lentils simmer for about 20 minutes, or until they are halfway cooked.

3. **Add Vegetables:**

- Stir in the chopped celery (including the leafy parts) and let it cook for another 10 minutes.

4. **Incorporate Tomatoes:**

- Add the chopped tomatoes or tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine and check the consistency; add a bit more water if needed.

5. **Season the Soup:**

- Add the chopped onion and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes.

6. **Finish with Carrots:**

- After 30 minutes, add the chopped carrots to the soup. Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes until the carrots are tender.

7. **Final Touches:**

- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. If using spinach, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve the hearty lentil soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

💡 Pro Tips

- For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion in olive oil before adding it to the soup.

- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot.

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- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

This lentil soup is not only nutritious and filling but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. It's a simple, one-pot meal that warms the soul and is perfect for meal prep!