Lentil soup with carrots and celery is the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm, fuzzy blanket on a chilly day. With each spoonful, the earthy lentils blend harmoniously with the sweetness of carrots and the crunch of celery, creating a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and nourishing. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you feeling like a culinary magician, preparing something special for yourself or loved ones.
Imagine huddling around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as everyone eagerly awaits their bowl of this delightful soup. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you need to impress unexpected guests with minimal effort. Trust me, after one taste, you’ll be dreaming about this soup long after the last drop has disappeared.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lentil soup with carrots and celery is simple to prepare without sacrificing flavor
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s visually appealing and perfect for any occasion
- You can enjoy it as a hearty meal or a light starter
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your personal taste preferences
I still remember the first time I made this lentil soup; my friends devoured it in seconds and begged for more. Their smiles were worth every minute spent stirring!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Green or Brown Lentils: These types hold their shape well during cooking and offer a rich, earthy flavor.
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Carrots: Use fresh, vibrant carrots for sweetness; they add color and nutrition to the soup.
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Celery: Fresh celery provides crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent to unlock its natural sweetness.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates every bite with its aromatic punch; don’t skimp on it!
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Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; it forms the flavorful base of your soup.
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Bay Leaves: These add subtle complexity; remember to remove them before serving!
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Olive Oil: A drizzle at the start helps sauté vegetables nicely while enhancing flavor.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; they bring out all those delightful flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic for an aromatic kick.
Add Veggies and Lentils: Stir in chopped carrots and celery next. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly. Then add rinsed lentils along with bay leaves to introduce warmth.
Pour in Broth**: Carefully pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring it covers all veggies and lentils adequately. Bring everything to a rapid boil before reducing heat to simmer.
Seasoning Time!: Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Allow soup to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until lentils become tender yet not mushy.
Final Touches**: Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste once more—add more seasoning if needed! Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish as desired.
Enjoy your homemade lentil soup with carrots and celery! This delicious comfort food is bound to become a family favorite.
You Must Know
- Lentil soup with carrots and celery is not just comforting; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients
- The earthy aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like home
- Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, saving you time and effort during busy weeks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add lentils, carrots, celery, and broth. Simmer until tender for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in sweet potatoes or add spices like cumin for a unique twist. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavor too!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lentil soup in airtight containers for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect lentil soup, use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor
- Soak lentils beforehand to reduce cooking time
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings as needed
The first time I made lentil soup with carrots and celery, my friends raved about it—turns out, they just wanted more bread to dip!
FAQ
What type of lentils are best for this recipe?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and add great texture.
Can I freeze lentil soup with carrots and celery?
Yes, freezing portions makes for easy meals later on; just thaw overnight before reheating.
How long does it take to cook lentils in this soup?
Lentils typically take 25-30 minutes to become tender while simmering in the soup.
Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with this delightful lentil soup featuring earthy lentils, sweet carrots, and crunchy celery. Perfect for chilly evenings or impressing unexpected guests, this wholesome dish is as comforting as it is nourishing. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time. Enjoy every spoonful of this flavorful soup that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic.
- Add chopped carrots and celery; cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in rinsed lentils and bay leaves.
- Pour in the vegetable broth to cover all ingredients. Bring to a rapid boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
