
Rinse 1 cup of brown or green lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth), and 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of plain yogurt, if desired.
I found this soup to be quite bland. I followed the recipe, but it lacked any real punch. I think it needed more garlic and maybe some herbs. I'm not sure I'd make it again.
This soup is a winner! I made a big batch and it was even better the next day. The flavors really melded together beautifully. This is going to be a staple in my meal prep routine.
It was a decent soup. The base was good, but I found it a little bland. I might try adding more spices next time, maybe some chili powder.
Very good and easy to make. I especially liked how the recipe suggested adding lemon juice at the end - it made a big difference! Next time, I might try adding some sausage to make it even heartier.
A good, basic lentil soup. I followed the recipe exactly, and it was a little too 'earthy' for my taste. Perhaps I will try adding more vegetables next time to balance out the lentil flavor.