Lentil Soup has ancient roots and today holds a prominent place on the list of the so-called “Mediterranean diet.” In Greece, it is known as Lentil Soup or simply as “Lentils.”
Everyone, or almost everyone, loves lentils! There are many reasons for this, and we’ll mention some of the most important ones. First of all, as we will see below, they are easy to prepare and taste wonderful. Another equally important reason is that lentils are affordable. This factor has always played a role and continues to do so in our time. Their long shelf life and the ease of always having some in our pantry also play a significant role. However, where they truly stand out is in their unbeatable nutritional value! Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, folic acid, and magnesium. At the same time, they are low in fat (or have healthy fats due to olive oil).
Here is a wonderful recipe from our collection that will delight you. Choose quality ingredients, and the result will be amazing!
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils (about 250g)
- 1 onion
- 1-2 cloves garlic, whole
- 1 grated carrot or finely sliced into rounds
- 1 grated zucchini
- Grated or finely chopped celery (add to taste, or omit if preferred)
- 2 bay leaves ALCO
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 small coffee cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 – 2 liters water
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
Preparation
Rinse the lentils and soak them for about 1-2 hours. The longer you soak them, the shorter the cooking time will be.
Cooking
In a large pot, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and celery. Sauté everything together for about 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the drained lentils and water, mixing everything together. Then, add the tomato paste, garlic, and bay leaves. Stir well again and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 40 minutes or longer, until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
Once the lentils are cooked, add the remaining ingredients: salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). For an even more authentic flavor, add the remaining half of the olive oil at the end.
Tips
- You can add more vegetables, like potatoes. Some homemakers do this to make the soup even more nutritious.
- For a stronger flavor, some people add vinegar at the end or a cinnamon stick during cooking.
