Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lentil soup, a hearty and humble dish, transcends cultures and generations, offering a comforting warmth on a chilly evening and a satisfyingly nutritious meal any time. Its versatility is remarkable; from simple peasant fare to elegant restaurant offerings, lentil soup adapts beautifully to different tastes and ingredients. This adaptable classic is surprisingly easy to master, offering a delicious and affordable way to incorporate protein and fiber into your diet. Beyond its nutritional benefits, the earthy flavors of lentils, combined with aromatic vegetables and warming spices, create a truly satisfying culinary experience.

This recipe will guide you through a step-by-step process, showing you how to create a flavorful and deeply satisfying lentil soup from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe approachable and rewarding, leading you to a delicious bowl of homemade goodness in no time. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to make this nutritious and flavorful classic.

Tools Needed

  • Measuring cups
  • Sieve
  • Knife
  • Frying pan
  • Deep pot
  • Plastic bag

Ingredients

  • Lentils: 320g (or 2 measuring cups)
  • Celery sticks: 2
  • White onion: 1/2
  • Roma tomatoes: 3
  • Carrots: 2
  • Garlic clove: 1
  • Chile Poblano: 1
  • Bacon (pork): 170g
  • Water: 2.5 liters
  • Olive oil
  • Salt: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Bay leaves: 3 small
  • Cilantro leaves: small bunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any debris.
  • Soak the lentils in water for 1-2 hours to soften them and reduce cooking time.
  • Chop the celery into small pieces.
  • Cut the onion into juliennes.
Soak the lentils in water for 1-2 hours to soften them and reduce cooking time.Cut the onion into juliennes.
Prepare the Ingredients
  • Dice the tomatoes, removing seeds and pulp.
  • Peel and dice the carrots into small cubes.
  • Peel and mince the garlic clove.
  • Roast the poblano pepper, place in a plastic bag for 5 minutes, then peel, deseed and chop into small squares.
Dice the tomatoes, removing seeds and pulp.Peel and dice the carrots into small cubes.Peel and mince the garlic clove.
Prepare the Ingredients
  • Dice the bacon into small squares.
Dice the bacon into small squares.
Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Sauté and Cook the Vegetables

  • Heat olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the garlic, then add the onion and bacon until golden brown and crispy.
  • Add the carrots and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Sauté and Cook the Vegetables

Step 3. Cook the Lentil Soup

  • Bring 2.5 liters of water to a boil in a deep pot. Add the soaked lentils and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Add the celery to the lentil broth and cook until tender.
  • Add the tomatoes, poblano pepper, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes over low heat.
Bring 2.5 liters of water to a boil in a deep pot. Add the soaked lentils and cook for 20 minutes.Add the celery to the lentil broth and cook until tender.Add the tomatoes, poblano pepper, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes over low heat.
Cook the Lentil Soup

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Stir in the sautéed vegetables and garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
Turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld.Stir in the sautéed vegetables and garnish with cilantro.Serve hot and enjoy!
Finish and Serve

Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel

Tips

  • Using chicken broth instead of water can enhance the flavor.
  • The poblano pepper adds flavor without excessive spiciness, making it suitable for children.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes! Brown or green lentils hold their shape best, while red lentils break down easily, creating a thicker soup. Experiment to find your favorite!

2. How can I make this soup vegetarian/vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any optional dairy like cream or yogurt.


Enjoy your delicious and nutritious bowl of homemade lentil soup! This versatile recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch. From now on, you can easily create this comforting classic whenever the craving strikes.