Best Southwest Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipes

BEST LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. One-fourth cup olive oil may seem like a lot, but it adds a lovely richness and heartiness to this nutritious soup.
• Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
• Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
• Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Securely fasten the lid, protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. (Or, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.)
• Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
• Serve while hot. Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).

LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Drain.
• In a large stockpot on medium heat, saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Check the seasonings. Add the red wine and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

SOUTHWEST BARLEY & LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add kielbasa; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until browned. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon., Add carrots and onion to same pot; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and cumin; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in kielbasa and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 35-45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender, stirring occasionally.

VEGETABLE LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• Place the first 8 ingredients in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until lentils are tender, about 4 hours., Stir in tomatoes and beans. Cook, covered, on high until heated through, about 30 minutes.

SOUTHWESTERN VEGETARIAN LENTIL SOUP

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat oil, sauté onion, carrot, and jalapeno, until soft, about 10 minutes.
• Add garlic and spices and sauté 2 minutes.
• Stir in water or broth and scrape any spices that stuck to the pan.
• Stir in green chilies and lentils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for about 40 minutes until lentils are tender.
• Uncover and stir in bouillon cubes, if using, and sugar.
• Stir in spinach, zucchini, corn and olives. Bring to a boil and cook until zucchini is tender about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat, stir in tomatoes, lime or lemon juice and salt to taste.
• Serve with desired toppings.