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Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup with Smoked Paprika and Lemon Finish

Close-up of a white mug filled with rich, orange-red lentil soup, topped with diced carrots and fresh parsley.
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This recipe provides a deeply flavorful, hearty lentil soup using simple pantry staples. It is a comforting, healthy, and budget-friendly one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and cumin to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thicker lentil soup, you can mash a portion of the lentils against the side of the pot.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This soup is excellent for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use low-sodium broth and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano with the other spices.
  • If you want a thicker soup, blend about one cup of the finished soup until smooth and stir it back into the pot.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for many dietary needs.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/hearty-vegetarian-lentil-soup-smoked-paprika/