How To Make Easy Lentil Soup

By Sandra Anderson


One thing that people enjoy is a nice hearty warm meal to be able to relax and enjoy the flavor. Soups are a great way to attain this delight. There are many types that can be made, but one, in particular, is growing in popularity. Learning to make easy lentil soup from scratch is easy and provides a great source of protein and nutrition that will make you full.

Store-bought soups usually are loaded with salt and can approach the edge of unhealthy. However, if you know the ingredients, you're more likely to pick one that is much healthier. Making your own, where you prepare the ingredients from scratch, is the best way to ensure a totally healthy meal. Lentils and other beans are a great source for protein for those with digestive problems and vegans or vegetarians who need a non-meat source of protein.

How long should you soak the lentils? This is probably the most asked question about making these soups. The answer is that you do not have to soak them at all if you don't want. They are already soft enough that the time they cook will soften them plenty. However, if you want to make them even more easy to digest, you could soak them in water for an hour or two before making the meal. Again, this isn't required, so you can simply put all the ingredients together if you didn't plan ahead of time.

Some prefer a thicker version while others like the vegetable soup version. It is easy to make the thicker version. You can just put the finished product into the blender. Be very careful about this since it may still be hot. It is best to let it cool a bit and make sure the lid is tight to prevent the hot liquid from splattering. Other people enjoy a thinner version where all the vegetables are still in their larger versions so they have the satisfaction of having something to bite into.

There are several healthy and basic ingredients to add to the mix. Along with the lentils, the basic recipes call for chopped celery, onions, diced carrots, oil, water, vinegar, oregano, basil, and a dry bay leaf for flavor. Adding in stewed or diced tomatoes helps thicken it up a bit while adding a nice red color. Some add spinach for the iron and other benefits.

Blending is an option. If you prefer a thicker version, you can take the warm dish and blend it. You need to be very careful since the liquid is hot and could easily burn you if it splatters. If you prefer the more chunky version, simply don't blend it. It'll be more like vegetable soup. This is a great version for adding oyster crackers or saltines to get a different flavor.

Side dishes enhance any meal. Soups go great with a nice, crispy fresh salad. Some will enjoy being able to dip Naan bread or cornbread into the dish. Crackers help thicken it and add a slight salt flavoring.

Soups are something that most people enjoy in many different forms. With lentils as the primary ingredient, you can be assured of having a nice protein-rich meal without having to add meat. With salads or bread as the sides, it will make a whole filling meal. Carefully using a blender can turn the clear version into a nice thick stew that goes well with other sides.




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