Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body? This French Lentil Chickpea Soup is not just another recipe—it's a magical blend of hearty ingredients that promises to transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of rural France. Packed with protein-rich lentils, nutritious chickpeas, and a symphony of vegetables, this vegan soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food that will warm your soul and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 1 can chickpeas
- 2 medium onions
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Rinse the French green lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. Set aside to drain.
- Open the can of chickpeas, drain, and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
- Peel and finely chop the two medium onions. Set them aside in a bowl.
- Peel and mince the three cloves of garlic. Add them to the bowl with the onions.
- Wash and peel the two medium carrots, then dice them into small cubes. Set aside.
- Wash and chop the two stalks of celery into small pieces. Set aside with the carrots.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
- After 30 minutes, add the rinsed chickpeas to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to heat the chickpeas through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the French Lentil Chickpea Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty vegan meal!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use French green lentils for authentic flavor and better texture. They hold their shape better than other lentil varieties.
- Sauté Vegetables Properly: Take your time caramelizing onions and garlic to build a deep flavor foundation for your soup.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: Allow lentils to simmer slowly to achieve the perfect tender consistency.
- Layer Your Seasonings: Add dried thyme early in the cooking process to infuse maximum flavor throughout the soup.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Storage Tip: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
