Hearty Mediterranean Lentil Soup in Just 30 Minutes

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food – this Mediterranean lentil soup that’s been warming my kitchen (and my soul) for years. There’s something magical about how simple ingredients like lentils, fresh veggies, and warm spices come together to create something so hearty and flavorful. Whenever that first whiff of cumin and garlic hits the air, my family knows it’s soup night! What I love most is how this Mediterranean lentil soup is both nourishing and packed with bold flavors that make you go back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This lentil soup has become my go-to for so many reasons:

• It’s crazy hearty – one bowl fills you up without weighing you down
• Packed with all the good stuff – carrots, celery, onions, and garlic
• So easy to make you’ll laugh – just chop, sauté, and simmer
• Healthy comfort food that actually tastes amazing
• That perfect Mediterranean flavor with cumin and paprika

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I was!

Ingredients for Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters! What I love about this lentil soup is how simple the ingredients are – you probably have most of them in your kitchen right now. But don’t let that fool you – these humble ingredients create magic together!

• 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed well – trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!)
• 1 onion, chopped (I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness)
• 2 carrots, diced (the brighter orange, the better!)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (don’t skip these – they add such depth)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (because can you ever have too much garlic?)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (use the good stuff here – it makes a difference)
• 1 tsp cumin (my secret weapon for that warm Mediterranean flavor)
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika is amazing if you have it)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade if you’re fancy, store-bought works great too)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with their juices – don’t drain them!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (start light, you can always add more)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (that pop of green makes it look restaurant-worthy)

See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and make some magic happen! This lentil soup comes together so easily, but I’ll walk you through each step just like I do when teaching my friends. Here’s how we do it:

1. Rinse those lentils! Give them a good rinse in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes any dust or debris – and trust me, you don’t want gritty soup!
2. Sauté your veggies. Heat that beautiful olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around until they start to soften and smell amazing – about 5 minutes should do it.
3. Spice it up! Now add your minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant – oh my, that smell is heavenly! Be careful not to burn the garlic though.
4. Bring it all together. Add your rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and that can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Give everything a good stir and bring it to a lively boil.
5. Simmer to perfection. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it bubble gently for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
6. Taste and garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste (I always start with 1/2 tsp salt and go from there). Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley for that gorgeous pop of color!

Tips for Perfect Lentil Soup

Here are my little secrets for soup success: Soak lentils for 30 minutes if you’re in a hurry (cuts cooking time!), taste and adjust spices halfway through, and give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking. Easy peasy!

Variations for Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Oh, the fun part! This lentil soup is like a blank canvas – here’s how I play with it:

• Toss in handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end
• Swap cumin for turmeric if you’re feeling adventurous
• Use chicken broth instead of vegetable for richer flavor

See? Endless possibilities with this versatile soup!

Serving Suggestions for Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this soup! A hunk of crusty bread for dipping is mandatory in my house. Sometimes I’ll pair it with a bright Greek salad or add a dollop of creamy yogurt on top – the cool tang against the warm spices is just divine!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Here’s my foolproof method for keeping leftovers tasting fresh: store cooled soup in airtight containers (I love my glass jars) for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth – it brings back that perfect soup consistency. Pro tip: the flavors actually deepen overnight, making day-two soup even more delicious!

Nutritional Information for Lentil Soup Mediterranean

Here’s the scoop on why this soup is so good for you! Each hearty bowl (about 1 cup) packs approximately: 220 calories, 12g protein, 35g carbs, and a whopping 12g fiber. And get this – those numbers don’t even include all the vitamins from those beautiful veggies! Remember, these are estimates, but isn’t it amazing how something so delicious can be so nourishing?

Common Questions About Lentil Soup Mediterranean

I get asked about this soup all the time – here are the answers to those burning questions! Can you freeze it? Absolutely! It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Canned lentils okay? Sure – just reduce cooking time since they’re already tender. Want it thicker? Easy – blend half the soup then mix it back in. There, all your soup mysteries solved!

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