Imagine a hearty, soul-warming soup that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece in just one pot! This Dutch Oven Lentil Soup is your ticket to a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a perfect blend of nutritious lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this recipe proves that simple cooking can create extraordinary flavors that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly rinsing the lentils, chopping the onion, dicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic.
- Place your Dutch oven over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot.
- Sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery for approximately 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the soup for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to preference.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris and prevent a gritty texture in your soup.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor - crisp carrots and celery make a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Don't rush the sautéing process. Allowing onions, carrots, and celery to soften properly builds a rich flavor foundation.
- Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning, as it can quickly turn bitter if overcooked.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine during the sautéing stage or a dash of smoked paprika with the seasonings.
- If the soup becomes too thick during simmering, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
