If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and budget-friendly meal, this Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a perfect choice. Loaded with tender potatoes, wholesome lentils, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is comforting, filling, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep and can be made in just 40 minutes. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, carrots, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
Season: Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor if desired.
Serve: Serve the soup hot, paired with crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: Top the soup with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of plain yogurt can add creaminess.
Serve with Bread: Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a warm baguette to soak up the savory broth.
Salad on the Side: For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to add variety and texture.
Optional Toppings: For extra flavor, consider topping the soup with shredded cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or croutons.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will deepen as the soup sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freeze: This soup is freezer-friendly! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For individual servings, you can microwave the soup on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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FAQs:
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils in this recipe. If you do, reduce the cooking time as canned lentils are already cooked. Simply add them to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking, just to heat through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat to the soup, incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference. You can also add chopped jalapeños or other chili peppers for a more intense kick.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients (except the parsley) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the parsley just before serving.
What can I use as a substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or water as a substitute. For added flavor, consider adding a vegetable or chicken bouillon cube to water. You can also make a quick homemade broth by simmering water with herbs and spices.
Conclusion:
This Easy Lentil Potato Soup is perfect for when you want a nourishing and filling meal without much fuss. Its simplicity allows the natural flavors of the vegetables and spices to shine, making it a go-to recipe for both beginner and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight meal or prepping for busy days ahead, this soup is sure to satisfy!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Lentil Potato Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with tender potatoes, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic herbs. This hearty soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy, budget-friendly meal. Enjoy this vegan and gluten-free soup hot, paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in lentils, diced potatoes, carrots, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Season and Serve: Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and stir in fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Variations: Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. For a spicier version, incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Creamier Texture: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency if desired.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 210 kcal
