Creamy Garlic Lentil Soup

Comfort food holds a special place in the heart of home cooking. It evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction, often reminding us of family gatherings and cherished moments spent around the dinner table. Among the myriad of comfort food options, soups stand out for their ability to nourish both the body and soul. One such recipe that embodies these qualities is Creamy Garlic Lentil Soup. This delightful dish not only warms you on chilly days but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a wholesome meal.

Warm up with this delightful Creamy Garlic Lentil Soup, a perfect choice for chilly days. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this comforting dish is not only delicious but also caters to various dietary needs. With a creamy texture enhanced by coconut milk and the rich flavor of garlic, it’s super customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch. Ideal for family meals or potlucks, this soup is a nourishing treat that will satisfy both body and soul.

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Ingredients

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed and drained

1 large onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

6 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: In a spacious pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Add Lentils and Spices: Incorporate the rinsed lentils, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme into the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to allow the spices to release their aromas and combine with the vegetables.

Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially and allow it to simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.

Blend the Soup: Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to achieve a creamy consistency, ensuring some lentils remain whole for added texture. If you prefer, you can carefully transfer batches of the soup to a conventional blender to achieve the same result.

Add Coconut Milk and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the coconut milk, then season the soup with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon juice. Allow the soup to heat through over low simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and generously garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. For an excellent accompaniment, serve the soup warm alongside crusty bread or a refreshing side salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4