Description
This hearty Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a cozy, vegetarian meal packed with plant-based protein and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. It’s the perfect one-pot dish for fall and winter!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small diced
- 2 medium carrots, small diced
- 2 celery ribs, small diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 3 leaves kale, stemmed and sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and stir for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, dried spices, salt and pepper. Stir and toast the spices for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and lentils and stir together. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover with a lid, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Optional: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky.
5. Stir in the kale and lemon juice, and simmer for an additional minute or two to soften the kale.
6. Taste the soup, and add any additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper before serving.
Notes
Each serving is about 2 cups.
If you don’t want to open another broth container, use 4 cups broth and 2 cups water instead.
Lentils may thicken the soup as it sits—add more broth or water to thin as needed.
Substitute 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning for the oregano, basil, and thyme if desired.
To make in a slow cooker: Add all ingredients except kale and lemon juice and cook on high for 5–6 hours or low for 7–8 hours. Blend part of the soup, stir in kale and lemon juice before serving.
Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.