How To Make Easy Lentil Soup

By Sandra Anderson


One thing that people enjoy is a nice hearty warm meal to be able to relax and enjoy the flavor. Soups are a great way to attain this delight. There are many types that can be made, but one, in particular, is growing in popularity. Learning to make easy lentil soup from scratch is easy and provides a great source of protein and nutrition that will make you full.

Most soups are healthy. The various lentils are even more so. They usually consist of several different vegetables mixed into a broth. They can also be made in vegan varieties. This is easily done because most recipes do not call for any meat to be added. The beans themselves provide a great source of protein for the diet. These are recommended for people with health issues that prevent them from digesting meats. It is also great for diabetics that need a healthier diet.

Lentils do not need to be soaked prior to cooking. There are many different types of beans that do need to be presoaked for hours before cooking them with the other ingredients, lentils do not fall into that category. It doesn't hurt them to be soaked if you want them to be even softer after cooking. Soaking them does make it easier to digest or if you plan on blending the mix when it is done.

There are several different styles and methods for these soups. Some like them to be more like a vegetable soup with more broth and nothing blended or pureed. Others may prefer a thicker version. The health benefits stay pretty much the same, so it is just a matter of personal preference. Thicker versions are great with grilled cheese sandwiches, while the soupier versions are better with other types of bread such as cornbread or other muffins.

Additional ingredients are needed to build the best version. Several recipes call for chopped celery, carrots, onions, and other cut vegetables. You will also want to include spices like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf to get some great flavors going. Stewed or diced tomatoes add great flavor and texture to the mix. Spinach is also a great addition. You will want to use freshly washed spinach, not the frozen kind that is cooked in vinegar.

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.

This can be used with many different side dishes. A fresh garden salad including croutons and a nice dressing really makes it great. Others may prefer a fresh batch of cornbread with honey and butter to flavor it up. Having these on the side make a whole delicious and nutritious meal.

Any weather is great for making soups. They are healthy, filling, and make a great meal by themselves. Adding in a fresh salad or homemade honey cornbread will really make it special. This is something that kids and adults enjoy and making it from scratch helps to make it as healthy as possible.




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