Super Simple Lentil Soup

If you know anything about me you know (when I used to cook ALL THE TIME) it was all about a one pot meal. That’s likely the only real thing I like about the change in Seasons from Summer to Fall and Winter. . . .

I made a big batch of this Super Simple Lentil Soup last week. I ate some, shared some, and ate some more. It’s about to go on repeat as I am making more this week to have on hand for quick lunches, dinners or to freeze for later.

Below is a basic recipe. I tend to change it depending on what I have on hand. Last week I threw in a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. I think Fire Roasted tomatoes would be really good. I love mine a bit spicy so tend to have a heavy hand on the garlic and cumin. I also put in a little tumeric because it’s so good for us. The beauty is you can make it just how you like it.

This recipe checks all the boxes for most of my cooking these days. Meaning it has to be

Super Simple
Healthy
Have Protein
Be Tasty (of course!)

Super Simple Lentil Soup

Ingredients and Directions

1-quart low sodium vegetable stock (or chicken stock or bone broth)
2 cups water
3 cups lentils, rinsed (soaking is optional)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 large carrot, sliced
1 T minced garlic
1 teaspoon, plus of ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash tumeric
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon plus ground black pepper
One can tomatoes with green chiles, or 2 fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped, or one can Fire Roasted tomatoes.
Handful of spinach to throw in at the end of cooking (if you like)

Empty lentils into a colander and rinse thoroughly.
If you choose to pre-soak your lentils (I don’t, but many people do):
- Pour the lentils into a large bowl and cover with purified water by 2 inches.
- If you’ve thought ahead enough, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and leave pour into a bowl and cover and leave on the counter 12 -24 hours. I typically do not do this. However, I have been known to soak them while I take an afternoon walk and that seems to work just fine!
- Drain the lentils and rinse them well before using them.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven, add the garlic and stir until it smells nice and garlicky. (I’m very scientific here).
Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and cook until tender. (You may notice I do not cook with salt. If you need salt here would be a good time to add in a dash.)
Add the spices to the vegetables, stir and cook on medium heat for just a minute or two.
Add the vegetable stock, water and lentils and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer.
Add the tomatoes and stir well. Adjust your spices. Allow the pot to simmer about 45 minutes until the lentils are soft. DO NOT overcook or the lentils get mushy.
Add the tomatoes (if using).
Let the pot simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
Depending on how you like your soup, you can play with this step. I remove about 2 1/2 cups of the soup and put in the Vitamixer. (I do not have an immersion blender. If you do, this is the perfect time to use it). I whip the lentils in the vitamixer until creamy and add back to the pot.
If you are adding greens, stir them in right before serving.

There you go. That’s it!

This soup stays great in the refrigerator and also freezes well!

Let me know if you try it - what you think - and what changes you make to make it even better!

Here is my latest Walk & Talk from this week. I’m sharing a nugget to remind you that often times It’s Worth the Effort. I’d love to hear what you think.

And here’s the backstory, because there always is one when I’m walking & talking. I was invited to the beach, and after a full week almost decided not to go. I’d have to manage my dogs, work, pack, tackle a long drive, my house was a wreck, my toenails were a mess . . . you see where I’m going. I almost talked myself out of making the trip. But let me tell you - it was SO worth the effort, the drive, my horrible toenails, all of my ridiculous excuses, to be in the sun on the beach and have all the goodness that the beach brings. So, take a listen next time you think you should just sit on the couch.

I mentioned in the beginning that I am NOT a fan of the seasons changing right now from summer to Fall and then to Winter. Did you know that Fall is the favorite season of most folks? We used to poll our family and I think every single male that I lived with voted Fall as the favorite season. I was always in the minority.

While I do enjoy some of the crisp days, the football season and those one pot meals (':, I am a Spring and Summer girl, by far. These are the things I do not get excited about . . .

The shorter, darker days

The cold days

Less sun

Did I mention the shorter days and being cold?
Live Well!