Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for *hearty lentil and potato soup*. This soup isn’t just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, perfect for beginners who are just starting their cooking journey. I remember the first time I made it – the aroma wafting through the house was simply irresistible! As the lentils and potatoes simmered together, I felt a sense of pride knowing I was creating something comforting and nourishing. Trust me, this soup is super easy to whip up, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delicious, filling soup that warms both the belly and the heart.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make your *hearty lentil and potato soup*. I’ve broken it down for you, so you can easily gather the ingredients without any hassle:

• 1 cup lentils: Rinse these before using to remove any debris. You can use green or brown lentils, but I love the earthiness of brown!
• 2 medium potatoes, diced: I prefer Yukon Gold or red potatoes for their creaminess, but any kind will do. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion adds a lovely base flavor to the soup. Use yellow or white onions for the best results.
• 2 carrots, sliced: Fresh carrots bring a nice sweetness. Don’t skimp on these – they add great color and flavor!
• 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery gives that classic soup taste and crunch. Make sure they’re chopped small to blend well.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a fragrant kick, but be careful not to burn it.
• 6 cups vegetable broth: This is the soul of your soup! You can use store-bought or homemade broth, whichever you prefer.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice adds warmth and depth. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne too!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Adjust according to your taste, especially if your broth is salty.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best for that extra flavor boost.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is for sautéing the veggies – it adds richness and helps everything cook beautifully.

How to Prepare *Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup*

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring this *hearty lentil and potato soup* to life! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step, and before you know it, you’ll have a pot of deliciousness bubbling away!

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these beauties for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to smell amazing. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning – we want them tender and flavorful!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Lentils

Next, it’s time to add the minced garlic and the rinsed lentils. Stir everything together for about 1 minute, letting the garlic release its fragrant aroma. Be sure to keep stirring so the garlic doesn’t burn – trust me, burnt garlic can ruin the whole pot! Mixing in the lentils at this stage helps them soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Now, add your diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth. This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle in the cumin, salt, and black pepper, and give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil – it’s essential to get those flavors mingling and the soup bubbling!

Step 4: Simmer for Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30-35 minutes. This is the time when the lentils and potatoes become perfectly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are soft but still hold their shape. Give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – you want it to be just right!

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your *hearty lentil and potato soup* turns out perfectly every time! First, always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any debris or dust. This little step can make a big difference in the taste. If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, feel free to substitute it with water, but toss in a bit of extra seasoning to keep the flavor up. For a heartier soup, you can add other vegetables like spinach or kale – they’re great for nutrition! And if you find you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember, practice makes perfect!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about what makes this *hearty lentil and potato soup* not just delicious but also nutritious! Each serving is packed with goodness, providing around 250 calories. You’ll get about 6 grams of fat, with only 1 gram being saturated fat. It’s a great source of fiber, offering 12 grams per bowl, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, you’ll find around 10 grams of protein in there too! Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a solid idea of the wholesome nourishment you’re enjoying in every bowl of this cozy soup.

FAQ Section

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! In fact, this recipe is designed for dried lentils, which are perfect for creating that hearty texture. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding to the pot. Dried lentils typically cook up beautifully in about 30-35 minutes, so you don’t need to make any major adjustments to the cooking time. Just remember, you won’t need to soak them beforehand – they’ll cook right in the soup!

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your *hearty lentil and potato soup* cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was made. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through.

Can I freeze the soup?

You bet! Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy this soup later. Just let it cool and then pour it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It’s best to use it within 2-3 months for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove, adding a little water or broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy that comforting warmth all over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making *hearty lentil and potato soup* is a delightful experience, and here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore it:

• Flavor-packed: The combination of lentils, potatoes, and spices creates a rich and satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can whip this up without stress!
• Nutritious: Packed with fiber and protein, this soup is not only filling but also a healthy choice that supports your well-being.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it your own every time!

Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup: 4 Steps to Cozy Comfort

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and filling soup made with lentils and potatoes, perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced potatoes and lentils to the pot.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and add cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and potatoes are tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty soup.

Notes

• Rinse lentils before adding to remove any debris.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: hearty lentil and potato soup