Zucchini Lentil Soup Nourishing and Simple Recipe
This Zucchini Lentil Soup is a nourishing and simple recipe perfect for a healthy, hearty meal. Packed with green lentils, fresh zucchini, and aromatic spices, it offers a comforting blend of flavors and textures. The soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome, plant-based lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop the base flavor.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing the spices’ aromas.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced zucchini and chopped carrot to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Season and Blend (Optional): Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup while leaving some chunky bits for texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a refreshing finish and added color.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste before serving.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if preferred.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Keywords: zucchini lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, stovetop soup, plant-based soup, Mediterranean soup
