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There is something undeniably comforting about a bowl of hearty, flavorful soup on a chilly day, and this Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe is no exception. Packed with tender sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, vibrant carrots, and earthy green lentils simmered to perfection, it creates a soulful blend of textures and tastes that wrap you in warmth from the very first spoonful. The subtle blend of herbs, a hint of spice, and the fresh vibrancy from added spinach and parsley make every bite feel lovingly crafted, perfect for cozy nights or when you just need a nourishing hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe uses simple ingredients that together create a symphony of comfort and depth. Each ingredient plays a vital role, offering layers of flavor, hearty texture, and rich color that make the soup as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Sweet potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture that balances the earthiness of lentils.
- Russet potatoes: Bring a satisfying starchiness that helps thicken the soup beautifully.
- Carrots: Offer a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Yellow onion: Provides a savory base flavor that deepens as it cooks.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and a mild pungency to elevate overall taste.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and complexity.
- Dried basil: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Imparts an earthy and robust flavor.
- Dried thyme: Offers a subtle, woodsy aroma that complements lentils well.
- Red pepper flakes: Deliver a faint but welcome kick of spice.
- Green lentils: The star protein that provides body, nutrition, and a tender bite.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel after blending part of the soup.
- Baby spinach: Introduces freshness, color, and an earthy green note.
- Fresh parsley: Lifts the dish with brightness and a mild peppery finish.
- Red wine vinegar: Balances the flavors with a subtle tang that livens up the soup.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top for those who love an umami-rich garnish.
How to Make Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and russet potatoes to your slow cooker. Next, toss in the sliced carrots, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Follow with the kosher salt, ground black pepper, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes for that fantastic blend of herbs and spice. Finally, add the green lentils and pour in the vegetable broth. This layering sets the stage for a deeply flavorful soup as everything melds together during the cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let the magic happen for 4 to 5 hours. This slow simmer allows the lentils and vegetables to become tender, infusing the broth with their natural goodness. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with such an inviting aroma that will have you yearning for the final bowl.
Step 3: Blend Part of the Soup
Once cooked, transfer about four cups of the soup into a food processor or blender. Add your quality olive oil and blend until smooth. This step transforms the soup, adding a luscious creaminess and body without losing any of its wholesome character. Return the blended mixture to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — this is your moment to perfect the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Greens
Now, stir in the baby spinach and fresh parsley. Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on LOW for another 15 minutes. This brief cooking time softens the greens just enough so they wilt perfectly, lending a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor to the soup.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the greens are tender, stir in the red wine vinegar, which provides a subtle brightness that elevates the entire dish. Serve the soup warm, garnished with Parmesan cheese if you like a touch of savory richness. This final step brings together all the flavors, creating a bowl that’s comforting, deeply satisfying, and utterly cozy.
How to Serve Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can take your Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe from delightful to memorable. A light grating of Parmesan cheese adds a delicious umami richness, while a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and a hint of freshness. For a little extra warmth, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes works wonders. If you want to experiment, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of plain yogurt could add lovely silkiness.
Side Dishes
This soup shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with some crusty bread or warm pita allows you to scoop up every last drop. A simple side salad with fresh greens and a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and even a handful of roasted vegetables would complement the hearty flavors. It’s a versatile dish that works for cozy family dinners or fulfilling lunches.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or switch things up? Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an inviting presentation that’s as edible as it is charming. You could also layer a small spoonful of pesto or chili oil on top to add an unexpected pop of color and flavor. For a wellness boost, sprinkle some toasted seeds or nuts over the surface, offering delightful crunch and additional texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe tastes even better the next day, so store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping it chilled well allows the flavors to meld further, making your second bowl just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup at a later time, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to add the spinach and parsley fresh when reheating to preserve their vibrant color and fresh taste.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. Finally, toss in fresh greens or an extra splash of vinegar to brighten flavors before serving.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lentils for this Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While green lentils work wonderfully here, you can swap in brown or French lentils. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly as some lentils soften faster than others.
Is this soup vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, especially if you skip the Parmesan cheese garnish or use a vegan substitute. It’s a fantastic option for various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Definitely! Simply combine all ingredients except the greens in a large pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45-60 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Add the greens towards the end and proceed as usual.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works as a great substitute to add that bright finishing touch.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup has a gentle warmth from a pinch of red pepper flakes, making it comforting but not overpowering in spice. You can always adjust the amount according to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a delicious, nourishing Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug on those chilly days. Whether you’re craving something to soothe your soul or a nutrient-packed meal that’s effortless to prepare, this soup fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
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Print
Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Lentil Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with tender lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots, and fresh greens. Slow-cooked to perfection, it delivers warmth and rich flavors enhanced by a blend of herbs and spices, finished with a splash of red wine vinegar and optional Parmesan garnish for an extra touch of savoriness.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes
- 2 cups peeled and sliced carrots
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ¾ cups green lentils (or a mix of lentils and split peas)
- 3 cups baby spinach (or kale, stems removed)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Liquids and Oils
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- â…“ cup quality olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Optional
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, lentils, and vegetable broth into a slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or until the lentils and vegetables are tender and fully cooked, infusing the soup with deep flavors.
- Blend Some Soup: Carefully transfer about 4 cups of the cooked soup into a food processor or blender. Add the olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Return this blended portion back into the slow cooker and stir well to mix evenly with the rest of the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Add Greens: Stir in the baby spinach and chopped parsley into the soup, then cover and cook on LOW for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the greens to wilt and blend into the soup.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese garnish or use a vegan alternative.
- You can substitute kale for spinach if preferred, just ensure to remove the stems before adding.
- If you do not have a slow cooker, you can cook this soup on the stovetop simmering gently until lentils and vegetables are tender, about 45-60 minutes.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
