Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

This Mediterranean Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish made with lentils, kale, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a touch of lemon for a fresh finish.

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Servings

Ingredients

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
2 medium carrots finely diced
2 celery ribs finely diced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 –4 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons ground 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 rinsed and drained
3 leaves kale stemmed and sliced thinly
1 lemon juiced (approximately 3 tablespoons)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Incorporate Aromatics and Spices

Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release the aroma of the spices and toast them lightly.

Add the Broth and Lentils

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils. Stir to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Adjust the Texture (Optional)

For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Add the Kale and Lemon Juice

Stir in the kale and lemon juice, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. The kale should soften but retain its vibrant color. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. To ensure no cross-contamination, verify that the vegetable broth and all dried spices are labeled gluten-free. Pair with gluten-free bread or crackers for a complementary side.

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