There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Scottish lentil soup. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I had this soup at a cozy little café on a chilly day. The rich, earthy aroma wafted through the air, and I knew right then it would become a favorite. Packed with healthy lentils, this soup is not only hearty but also loaded with protein and fiber, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat well. Plus, it’s vegan, so it fits perfectly into a variety of diets. Every spoonful reminds me of those moments spent with friends, sharing stories and laughter over a steaming pot. Trust me, once you try this Scottish lentil soup, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your mealtime rotation!
Ingredients for Scottish Lentil Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Scottish lentil soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to rinse the lentils before using them to remove any debris. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Scottish Lentil Soup
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this comforting Scottish lentil soup! I promise it’s easier than it seems. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty soup in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, grab a large pot and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm (you can test it by splashing a drop of water – if it dances, you’re good!), toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. The veggies should start to look a little glossy—this is when the magic begins!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Lentils
Next, it’s time to add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it in for about a minute until it becomes aromatic (but don’t let it burn!). Now, add in your rinsed lentils. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors. This step infuses the lentils with the deliciousness of the sautéed veggies and garlic. Yum!
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Now comes the fun part! Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes, along with the teaspoon of dried thyme and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30-35 minutes. This is when the lentils will get tender and soak up all those rich flavors. Don’t forget to check occasionally to see how they’re doing—give them a gentle stir to keep things moving!
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once your lentils are perfectly tender, it’s time to finish things off! Carefully remove the bay leaf (it’s done its job). Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful, nourishing soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Scottish lentil soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this soup is a great way to nourish your body.
- Hearty and Filling: It’s a comforting dish that warms you up and keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, it fits perfectly into a vegan diet.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies for extra flavor and nutrition!
Tips for Success
To make your Scottish lentil soup even more delicious, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have lentils? You can use split peas or chickpeas instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
- Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend a portion of it with an immersion blender. For a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth.
- Common Mistakes: Remember to rinse your lentils before cooking! Skipping this can lead to gritty soup. Also, avoid overcooking; lentils should be tender but not mushy.
With these tips, your soup will turn out perfect every time!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Scottish lentil soup is estimated to contain about 220 calories, 5g of fat, 12g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. With 12g of fiber, it’s a nourishing choice that keeps you feeling full. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ About Scottish Lentil Soup
Got questions about making the perfect Scottish lentil soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries.
Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils are traditional, you can experiment with red lentils. Just keep in mind that they cook faster and will create a creamier soup.
How do I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños when you sauté the vegetables. It gives the soup a nice kick!
Can I freeze leftover soup?
Yes, you can! Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
What can I serve with Scottish lentil soup?
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You could even serve it with a dollop of vegan sour cream for extra creaminess!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Scottish lentil soup is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Scottish lentil soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few tasty accompaniments! Consider serving it with some crusty whole-grain bread or warm sourdough for a satisfying meal. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness of the soup. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of croutons can elevate your bowl even more. Enjoy the cozy combination!
For more information on the health benefits of lentils, you can visit Healthline.
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Scottish Lentil Soup: 4 Steps to a Cozy Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and nutritious Scottish lentil soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Rinse lentils before using to remove any debris.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or spinach.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Scottish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Scottish lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, vegan soup, hearty soup
