Imagine a warm, hearty soup that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one spoonful. This Easy Mediterranean Lentil Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey packed with nutrition, flavor, and soul-warming goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen, without hours of complicated preparation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, sorting through to remove any small stones or debris. Set aside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and allow it to warm up.
- Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, allowing it to toast slightly and release its aromatic oils.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to incorporate into the soup.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir and let simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Lentils: Use fresh, dry green or brown lentils for the best texture and flavor. Always rinse and sort them before cooking.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions, carrots, and celery. This builds a deep, rich flavor foundation for your soup.
- Toast Your Spices: Lightly toasting cumin in the pot before adding liquids enhances its nutty, warm characteristics.
- Control Liquid Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, add a little extra vegetable broth to reach your desired texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley for garnish—it adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt when serving for extra Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
