Name: Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 60 ml Extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium Onion (Yellow or Brown Chopped); 2 Carrots (peeled and chopped); 4 Garlic cloves (minced); 2 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Curry powder; ½ tsp Dried thyme; 800 g Diced tomatoes (lightly drained); 1 cup Lentils (brown or green, rinsed); 1 liter Vegetable broth; 500 ml Water; 1 tsp Salt (more to taste); Pinch Red pepper flakes; Black Pepper (to taste); 1 cup Collard greens (or kale - ribs removed); 1-2 tbsp Lemon Juice (about ½ to 1 medium lemon, to taste)

Instructions

Sauté veggies:

▢
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped onion and carrots. Stir often and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add garlic and spices:

▢
Stir in minced garlic, cumin, curry powder, and thyme. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.

Add tomatoes:

▢
Pour in the diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently to boost their flavor.

Add lentils and liquid:

▢
Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in salt, red pepper flakes, and a generous grind of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover partially, and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

Blend for creaminess:

▢
Transfer about 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Secure the lid, cover it with a towel to protect your hand from steam, and blend until smooth. Pour it back into the pot to thicken the soup (or use an immersion blender for easier cleanup).

Add greens and lemon juice:

▢
Stir in the chopped greens and cook for about 5 more minutes, just until they soften. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.