Hearty Country Lentil Soup
Warm up with our Hearty Country Lentil Soup, a comforting blend of wholesome ingredients perfect for chilly days or when you crave a nutritious meal. This flavorful soup features tender lentils simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, making it a delightful option for both lunch and dinner. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetarian cuisine. Whether shared with friends or savored alone, this recipe is sure to nourish the body and soul.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable broth
3 cups (Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.)
Water
2 cups (Plain water to adjust soup consistency.)
Dried lentils
1 cup (Rinse and sort to remove any debris.)
Crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (No preparation needed; choose diced or whole tomatoes if desired.)
Chopped onions
1 1/2 cups (Use yellow, white, or a mix for sweetness.)
Sliced celery
1 cup (Wash and slice into even pieces.)
Sliced carrot
1 cup (Peel and chop into thin rounds.)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (Freshly minced for best flavor.)
Dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon (Used for its aromatic and earthy flavor.)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Enhances the soup's Mediterranean notes.)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (Adds a warm, herbal profile.)
Salt
to taste (Use as desired for seasoning.)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly cracked is preferable.)
Grated parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (For garnishing before serving.)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the vegetable broth, water, dried lentils, crushed tomatoes, chopped onions, sliced celery, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
2
Add the dried marjoram, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed.
3
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Allow the soup to cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
4
Once cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Country Lentil Soup?
Hearty Country Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious vegetarian meal featuring lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 14 ingredients, including spices and garnishes.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable broth and lentils, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
What cooking method is used for this soup?
This soup is prepared using a slow cooker for a convenient, long-simmered flavor.
How long does the soup need to cook?
The soup should be cooked on the low setting of a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours.
What type of lentils are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried lentils, which should be rinsed and sorted before use.
How much vegetable broth should I use?
You will need 3 cups of vegetable broth; low-sodium is recommended for a healthier option.
Do I need to add water to the soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 cups of water to help adjust the soup's consistency.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
One 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes is used for the base of the soup.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The soup contains chopped onions, sliced celery, sliced carrots, and minced garlic.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, preferably freshly minced for the best flavor.
What dried herbs provide the flavor?
The flavor is enhanced with 1/2 teaspoon each of dried marjoram, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, this lentil soup is packed with fiber and protein, making it very nutritious.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup is served with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, specifically 6 tablespoons total.
Can I use different types of onions?
Yes, you can use 1 1/2 cups of yellow onions, white onions, or a mix for extra sweetness.
How should the carrots be prepared?
Carrots should be peeled and chopped into thin rounds before being added to the slow cooker.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be washed and sliced into even pieces.
When should I season the soup with salt and pepper?
Add a pinch of salt and pepper at the beginning, then adjust the seasoning to taste once the cooking is finished.
Can I use diced tomatoes instead of crushed?
Yes, you can choose diced or whole tomatoes if you prefer a different texture.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a hearty and nutritious meal that is excellent for both lunch and dinner.
What does dried marjoram add to the soup?
Dried marjoram adds an aromatic and earthy flavor profile to the broth.
What does dried thyme contribute?
Dried thyme adds a warm, herbal profile that complements the lentils and vegetables.
How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is ready when both the lentils and the vegetables are completely tender.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting blend perfect for chilly days.
How much parmesan cheese goes on each serving?
With 6 tablespoons total for the recipe, it provides a generous sprinkle for the bowls.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried herbs, you can use fresh herbs by increasing the quantity slightly.
Why should I rinse and sort the lentils?
Rinsing and sorting ensures that any debris or small stones are removed before cooking.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the broth, water, lentils, tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Should the soup be stirred during cooking?
You should stir gently once at the beginning to mix the ingredients, then cover and let it cook.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, because it uses a slow cooker and simple chopping steps, it is very straightforward to prepare.