How To Make Easy Lentil Soup

By Sandra Anderson


Soups are a great way to enjoy a meal and relax with great flavor. They are also simple to make and enjoyed by pretty much everyone. Making a healthy stew is something of an art form but can be done with a little preparation and planning. Making an easy lentil soup provides excellent nutrition and a hearty meal that will fill you up. The ingredients are all fresh and healthy and it can be done in different forms that appeal to different palates.

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.

Soaking lentils is not necessary before cooking. This issue is one of the most asked about them. Many different types of beans do require being pre-soaked in order to be soft enough to eat because typical cooking time will not soften them and will overcook the other ingredients in the stew. If you want them to be more easily digested, you can feel free to soak them. But, it is not necessary. It won't hurt them to do so.

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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