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Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe Easy Boosted with Plant Protein for Healthy Meals

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A warm, hearty lentil soup boosted with plant protein like quinoa or brown rice, perfect for cozy nights and nourishing meals. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a staple for quick, wholesome dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and checked for debris
  • ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional but recommended)
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth, preferably low sodium
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (or roughly chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water and drain. Dice 2 carrots, chop 2 celery stalks, finely chop 1 large onion, and mince 3 garlic cloves. Cook ½ cup quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions and set aside if using.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 7 minutes until softened and fragrant, with onion translucent but not browned.
  3. Add minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add rinsed lentils and 6 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Toss in 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover with a lid and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. When lentils are tender but still holding shape, stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine flavors. Add water or broth if soup is too thick.
  6. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper gradually, tasting as you go. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.

Notes

Rinse lentils thoroughly to avoid grit. Do not soak lentils as they cook quickly. Keep heat low and simmer gently to avoid breaking lentils apart. Adjust seasoning at the end since lentils absorb salt during cooking. If soup thickens too much, stir in extra broth when reheating. Quinoa or brown rice adds protein and texture but is optional. Can substitute bulgur or barley if not gluten-free. Red lentils can be used but cook faster and yield creamier soup. Slow cooker method possible by sautéing veggies first and cooking on low 6-8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, plant protein, quinoa, brown rice, healthy soup, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/cozy-lentil-soup-recipe-easy-boosted-with-plant-protein-for-healthy-meals/