Hearty Lentil Soup: Your Plant Based Protein Powerhouse

Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delicious and incredibly healthy dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to boost their protein intake: a comforting Hearty Lentil Soup. This soup is not only packed with goodness but also super easy to make, making it a fantastic meal for any day of the week. It’s a flavorful way to nourish your body and keep you feeling full and energized. Lentils are tiny powerhouses, offering a fantastic plant based protein source that’s both affordable and versatile.

Ingredients Needed

To make this wonderful soup, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step By Step Making

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious lentil soup:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your liking.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Nutritional Value