Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water and chopping your vegetables.
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, letting everything cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), and broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Once cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper. If you want some extra zing, add a splash of lemon juice.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with your favorite fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
To enhance the flavor, don’t skip sautéing your veggies. Canned lentils can be used as a quick substitute, added in the last 10 minutes of cooking. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving. Fresh herbs should be added just before serving to retain their flavor.