Cozy Fall Lentil Soup with Thyme

$- 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 2 celery stalks, washed and diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced The heart of this soup lies in its main ingredients. Lentils give the soup its body and nutrition. I love using green or brown lentils for their earthy taste and firm texture. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Aromatic vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic bring layers of flavor. These veggies not only taste great but also fill your kitchen with a warm aroma. - 6 cups rich vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Next, we need the right seasonings to elevate our soup. Vegetable broth is key; it adds depth without overpowering the lentils. Thyme gives a lovely herbal note. The bay leaf adds a subtle layer of flavor, while smoked paprika brings a hint of warmth. Always season with salt and pepper. These simple touches create a rich and balanced taste. - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish For added nutrition and flavor, consider optional add-ins. Diced tomatoes add a slight sweetness and acidity. Kale is a powerhouse of vitamins and gives a nice texture. Adding fresh thyme sprigs not only looks beautiful but enhances the soup’s aroma. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. 3. Sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. 4. When the vegetables are ready, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute, releasing its rich aroma. 1. Now, add the rinsed lentils to the pot. 2. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all lentils are covered. 3. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, drop in the bay leaf, and add the smoked paprika. 4. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. 5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. 1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid. 2. Let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This will cook the lentils until they're tender. 3. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot. 4. If you’re using kale, add it to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking. 5. This will allow the kale to wilt and blend its flavor into the soup. To make your soup shine, consider adding a splash of lemon juice. This small addition brings brightness to the rich flavors. You can also play with herbs. Try using rosemary, parsley, or even basil. Each herb adds its unique twist. To keep your lentils just right, avoid overcooking them. They should be tender but not mushy. Stirring often helps. It prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. This small step can make a big difference in texture. Pair your soup with crusty whole-grain bread. This adds a nice crunch and makes your meal heartier. For toppings, consider fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. A dollop of yogurt can also add creaminess. Enjoy your warm bowl of soup! Pro Tips Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities, ensuring a cleaner and healthier soup. Customize Your Broth: Use homemade vegetable broth for a more flavorful base, or add a splash of soy sauce or miso for extra umami depth. Check for Doneness: Lentils can vary in cooking time; start checking for tenderness at the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for an easy and comforting meal later. {{image_4}} You can add protein to your lentil soup in two ways. First, consider adding sausage or chicken. Cook them separately, then stir them into the soup. This will make your dish heartier. If you prefer plant-based options, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas. Both choices boost the protein without losing flavor. Spices can change the soup's taste. Try using cumin or curry powder. They add warmth and depth. For non-vegetarians, swap the vegetable broth for chicken broth. This simple change can enhance the soup’s richness, making it a comforting dish for any chilly day. In fall, you can add seasonal veggies like squash or sweet potatoes. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add nutrition. If summer comes, adjust your soup with lighter ingredients. Use fresh tomatoes and zucchini for a refreshing twist. This keeps the soup vibrant and exciting all year round. To keep your soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent spills and keep flavors intact. Allow the soup to cool before sealing. This helps avoid condensation, which can make the soup watery. For best results, consume leftovers within three to four days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot. Stir well to ensure even heating. In the fridge, your Fall Lentil Soup lasts about three to four days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of what you have on hand. Enjoy your hearty soup anytime! Yes, you can use different lentils. Green and brown lentils are best for soups. They hold their shape well and add a nice texture. Red lentils cook faster and become soft. This makes them great for thickening soups. However, they may not give the same bite as green or brown. For a heartier soup, stick to green or brown lentils. You can serve this soup with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty whole-grain bread for dipping. - A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. - Roasted vegetables for added flavor. - Grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy touch. These options make a perfect meal for chilly days. They complement the soup’s rich flavor. To make this soup gluten-free, check all your ingredients. Use gluten-free vegetable broth. Most lentils are gluten-free. Fresh vegetables are also a safe choice. If you want to add bread, choose gluten-free bread. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup without worry. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious fall lentil soup. We covered key ingredients like lentils, aromatic veggies, and flavorful seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking, along with tips to enhance the taste. We also shared fun variations and helpful storage tips. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things. Enjoy making this hearty soup your own! Your kitchen is a place for creativity and joy.$

Cozy Fall Lentil Soup with Thyme

A warm and hearty lentil soup perfect for chilly days, infused with thyme and packed with nutritious vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, washed and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups rich vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 leaf bay leaf
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped (optional)
as needed fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium flame. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and fragrant.
Next, incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its robust aroma.
Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, then pour in the rich vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, drop in the bay leaf, and add the smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom.
If using kale, add it to the pot in the last 10 minutes of cooking. This will give the kale just enough time to wilt and integrate its vibrant flavor into the soup.
Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaf and taste the soup; adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the soup hot in bowls, elegantly garnished with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of nature’s beauty and additional aroma.

Notes

Pair this soup with crusty whole-grain bread for a heartwarming meal.

Keyword fall, healthy, lentils, soup, vegetarian