THE BEST LENTIL SOUP RECIPE FOR WEEKNIGHTS

I know I live on an island but I still love a good, hearty bowl of soup and this lentil soup recipe is one of my favorites. It has tons of protein and even more flavors. What I appreciate most about soup is it really is a formula. Once you know how to make one soup, you can make so many others. It’s all about what you enjoy or simply about what you need to use up.

If you’re anything like me, you probably hate having to throw away vegetables because they’ve gone bad. This will definitely use up all those veggies in your fridge so they won’t go to waste. We are literally saving the environment by making soup, y’all. Captain Planet would be proud!

Now, even though this is a lentil soup recipe, doesn’t mean you have to skimp on additions. I need this soup to fill my kids up and guarantee sweet, uninterrupted dreams.

I know the list of ingredients looks long but don’t get intimidated. You’re literally dicing and throwing everything in one pot. Oh, the joys of one pot meals that keep dishwashing to a minimum. This lentil soup has it all and I use these Rubbermaid Brilliance containers so it can last in the fridge for 4 days. I like to make a huge pot, keep half in the fridge and store the other half in the freezer. So let’s get to it!

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 sweet pepper
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 celery sticks
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 cups lentils, dry
• 1 english potato (Idaho)
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 3 carrots
• 5 cups water
• 1.5 tbsp Better than Bouillon
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1.5 tbsp curry powder
• 2 bay leaves

RECIPE

1. Dice onions, peppers, potatoes and carrots.
2. Rinse off dry peas under cool water until water runs clear.
3. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and sauté carrots and onion until softened.
4. Add the garlic, remaining herbs and spices and cook for another minute.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, lentils, potatoes and bouillon and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-35 minutes, until the lentils are cooked and potatoes are tender.
7. Taste the soup and add salt if needed.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Well, there you go. Not even 10 steps towards a healthy and delicious meal for the family. While the lentil soup is simmering, you can pack lunches for the next day or help the kids with homework. If you want to see what else you can do with lentils, check out my Vegan Lentils Masala Recipe. I really hope this recipe keeps you warms all winter long. Stay cozy, friends!