Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with our delightful Lentil Soup with Fennel and Sun-Dried Tomatoes! This hearty dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a nourishing option that can be whipped up in just 50 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends. Discover how to create a comforting bowl of goodness that combines the earthy richness of lentils with the aromatic sweetness of fennel and the tangy burst of sun-dried tomatoes. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 fennel bulb, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 1 chopped fennel bulb, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any debris or impurities. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and fennel. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the fennel softens slightly.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- After 30 minutes, check the lentils for doneness. They should be tender but not mushy. If they need more time, continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, adding more broth or water if necessary to maintain your desired soup consistency.
- Once the lentils are cooked, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving. This soup can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Serve the lentil soup in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris. This simple step ensures a clean and delicious soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onion and fennel until they’re translucent enhances their flavors, creating a savory base for your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it’s easier to add liquid than to take it away!
- Taste as You Go: Season your soup with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking. This allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking without over-salting.
- Garnish for Freshness: For an extra pop of flavor, consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving. It adds a beautiful touch and enhances the Mediterranean vibe!
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
