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To make a tasty Mediterranean lentil soup, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium celery stalk, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), with juices - 6 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - Spices: cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, dried oregano - Olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in creating the soup’s rich flavor. The lentils give it body, while the vegetables add sweetness. Garlic and onion bring depth, and spices offer warmth. The spinach adds a fresh touch, and lemon juice brightens the dish. Using good-quality vegetable broth enhances the soup’s overall taste. Make sure to rinse the lentils well to remove any dust or debris. This step is simple but very important for a clean flavor. Feel free to experiment with the vegetables! You can use what you have on hand. Each change can give the soup a new twist. 1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. 3. Stir in 1 medium carrot, diced, 1 medium celery stalk, diced, and 1 red bell pepper, diced. Cook for 5-7 minutes. The veggies should be tender. 4. Now, add 1 cup of rinsed green or brown lentils. Then, add 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices and 6 cups of vegetable broth. 5. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well. - Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer. - Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep the lentils from sticking. - Check the lentils after 25 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy. 1. Once cooked, stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. 2. Squeeze the juice of 1 fresh lemon into the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes to wilt the spinach. 3. Taste the soup. Adjust flavors with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. 4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color. Enjoy each spoonful of this comforting and tasty Mediterranean lentil soup! To boost the taste of your Mediterranean lentil soup, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. You can also try adding fresh thyme or basil. These herbs can uplift the soup's aroma and taste. Adjusting spices is another way to enhance flavor. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky taste, increase the smoked paprika. Always taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance for your palate. You might prefer a thicker or thinner soup. To make it thicker, mash some lentils with a fork. This adds creaminess without extra ingredients. You can also let the soup simmer a bit longer to reduce liquid. If you like a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. This will give you a lighter texture. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Garnishing can make your soup look even better. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for a glossy finish. Serve your soup with crusty bread. A nice baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping. You can also add a simple side salad for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can change the lentils if you want. Red lentils cook faster and are softer. Black lentils add a nice texture. You can also use canned lentils. Just rinse them before adding to the soup. For vegetables, mix and match based on what you like. Try adding zucchini or sweet potatoes. You could also use kale instead of spinach. Each swap gives a new taste and look. This soup is already vegan and gluten-free. To keep it vegan, use vegetable broth. Check that your broth has no added ingredients. For gluten-free, make sure all spices are safe. Most spices are fine, but it’s good to check labels. The Mediterranean region has rich flavors. You can add herbs like thyme or basil for more depth. These herbs bring a fresh taste that brightens the soup. Adding spices like saffron or turmeric can give your soup an exciting twist. These spices come from different parts of the Mediterranean. They add color and a unique flavor. You can enjoy many variations with just a few changes! To keep your Mediterranean lentil soup fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool down at room temperature before sealing it. Store the soup in the fridge for up to five days. Always label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. If you want to save your soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. This space allows the soup to expand as it freezes. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move the container to the fridge for a night to thaw. You can reheat your soup in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, pour the soup into a bowl. Heat it on high for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. For stovetop, pour the soup into a pot. Heat on medium-low, stirring often, until warm. Both methods work well, so use whichever you prefer. What are the best lentils for soup? I recommend using green or brown lentils. They hold their shape well in soup. Red lentils break down faster and create a creamier texture. Choose based on your texture preference. Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes, you can add meat if you like. Chicken or sausage works well. Sauté it with the veggies for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. How long does lentil soup last in the fridge? Lentil soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Health benefits of lentils Lentils are packed with protein and fiber. They help with digestion and keep you full longer. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, like iron and folate. Eating lentils can support heart health as well. Caloric and dietary specifics One serving of this soup has about 200 calories. It is low in fat and high in nutrients. This makes it an excellent choice for a healthy meal or snack. Tips for low-sodium or low-carb diets For low-sodium diets, use low-sodium broth or water. You can skip added salt and adjust flavors with lemon. For low-carb diets, reduce the amount of lentils and add more veggies. Gluten-free options for lentil soup This soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry. This Mediterranean lentil soup is easy to make and packed with flavor. It features healthy ingredients like lentils, fresh vegetables, and spices. Customize it to your taste by adjusting spices or adding herbs. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This soup is great for many diets, including vegan and gluten-free. With the right tips, you can create a dish your family will love. Enjoy making this hearty meal that nourishes both body and soul!

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Mediterranean Lentil Soup that’s packed with flavor and nutrition! This hearty recipe features wholesome ingredients like lentils, fresh veggies, and fragrant spices, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Ready in just 55 minutes, it’s both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 medium celery stalk, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices

6 cups vegetable broth

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, diced celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent.

    Incorporate the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes along with their juices, vegetable broth, ground cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

      Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the lentils are tender.

        When the lentils are cooked to your liking, stir in the fresh baby spinach and the juice of the lemon. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt beautifully.

          Taste the soup and adjust the flavorings with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired, ensuring it meets your taste preference.

            Ladle the hearty soup into individual bowls and generously garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

              - Präsentationstipps: Drizzle a touch of olive oil on the surface of each bowl for a glossy finish and a sprinkle of paprika to add vibrance. Enhance the experience by pairing the soup with crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the delicious broth.