Imagine a soup so rich, so comforting, that it instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen on a chilly evening. Our Smoky Lentil and Potato Soup is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines hearty lentils, creamy potatoes, and a magical touch of smoked paprika that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a protein-packed meal or simply someone who loves soul-warming dishes, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate chopped carrots and diced potatoes into the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika over the vegetables, stirring to evenly distribute the spice and coat the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup seems too thick, add additional broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils Carefully: Take time to thoroughly rinse lentils to remove any debris and prevent unwanted grittiness in your soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic slowly to build a deep, rich flavor base before adding other ingredients.
- Don't Rush the Cooking Process: The magic happens during the slow simmer. Let the lentils and potatoes cook gently to develop maximum flavor and achieve the perfect tender texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Keep an eye on the liquid. If the soup becomes too thick, don't hesitate to add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Enhance the Smokiness: For an extra smoky kick, consider adding a small amount of chipotle powder or using smoked salt as a finishing touch.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to personalize the recipe to your taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't worry about making a large batch – it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
