Lemony Lentil Soup
Brighten up your dinner table with this zesty and hearty Lemony Lentil Soup, a wholesome recipe bursting with flavor and perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with the earthy goodness of red lentils, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices like cumin, turmeric, and thyme, this soup is elevated by a refreshing pop of fresh lemon juice and zest. The creamy yet textured base—achieved by partially blending the soup—makes it both satisfying and comforting. Ready in just 45 minutes and easily customizable with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this vegan and gluten-free soup is not only nutritious but also irresistibly delicious. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, vibrant meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and dried thyme. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your zesty, comforting Lemony Lentil Soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1165 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.3 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5866 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 160.8 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.1 g | 147% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.6 g | ||
| Protein | 47.4 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 391 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 4176 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
