Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight, a hearty and nutritious soup that combines the earthy goodness of lentils with the refreshing zing of lemon. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days and is packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and wholesome. Serve it as a starter or a main course, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Whether you opt for vegetable or chicken broth, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
6 cups (or chicken broth)
water
4 cups
green lentils
1.5 cups (rinsed)
red lentils
1.5 cups (rinsed)
carrots
2 (chopped)
tomatoes
2 (chopped or 1 (14 ounces) can diced)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
onion
1 (large and chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons
thyme
1/4 teaspoon
sage
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
lemon rind
to taste (zest)
red wine
1/8 cup (or 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the lentils thoroughly under running water. If you choose to pre-soak them for easier cooking, let them soak for about an hour before rinsing.
2
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the green and red lentils. Cook for approximately 15 minutes, then add the broth and continue cooking until the lentils reach your desired tenderness, about 20-30 minutes.
3
While the lentils are cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4
Deglaze the pan by adding 1/8 cup of red wine (or red wine vinegar) and scraping up any bits from the bottom. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and lemon rind, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the tomatoes have softened.
5
Combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the pot of boiling lentils and broth. Stir well, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and ginger, adjusting to taste.
6
Once the lentils are tender and the soup is well-seasoned, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight!
Nutrition Information
22g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight?
Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight is a hearty and nutritious soup that combines earthy lentils with a refreshing lemon zing, packed with protein and fiber.
Is this lentil soup vegan?
Yes, if you choose vegetable broth as the base, the recipe is entirely vegan and vegetarian.
What types of lentils are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1.5 cups of green lentils and 1.5 cups of red lentils.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this soup contains approximately 120 calories.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This recipe contains 6g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels in this dish?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving in this lentil delight.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
Soaking is optional; you can pre-soak them for about an hour for easier cooking, but rinsing them thoroughly is required.
How much broth is needed for the recipe?
You will need 6 cups of either vegetable broth or chicken broth.
What vegetables are included in the base of the soup?
The soup base includes chopped carrots, celery ribs, onion, and garlic cloves.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves for a flavorful, aromatic base.
What oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 fresh tomatoes with one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
How is the lemon flavor incorporated?
The lemon flavor is added using lemon rind (zest) which is sautéed with the tomatoes.
What is the best way to deglaze the pan?
Deglaze the pan by adding 1/8 cup of red wine (or red wine vinegar) and scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of sage.
Is fresh ginger used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger is added to enhance the flavor profile.
How long do the lentils take to cook?
Lentils are boiled for 15 minutes in water, then simmered in broth for an additional 20-30 minutes until tender.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and is described as being perfect for chilly days.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust these to your taste.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is rinsing the green and red lentils thoroughly under running water.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Can I use red wine vinegar as a substitute for wine?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar can be used instead of 1/8 cup of red wine.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, because it uses both green and red lentils, the dish is packed with fiber.
How much water is needed to boil the lentils?
You will need 4 cups of water to bring to a boil for the initial lentil cooking phase.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The Zesty Lemon Lentil Delight consists of 17 distinct ingredients.
Is this a healthy soup option?
Yes, it is categorized as healthy due to its low calorie count and high protein and fiber content.
Can I serve this as a starter?
Yes, this soup is versatile enough to be served as either a starter or a main course.
What is the preparation for the carrots and celery?
Both the 2 carrots and 2 celery ribs should be chopped before being sautéed.
What is the final step before eating?
After the flavors have melded, remove the soup from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Is the onion size specified?
The recipe calls for 1 large onion that has been chopped.