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Bistro-Style Lentil Soup

Bistro-Style Lentil Soup

A hearty and flavorful lentil soup made bistro-style with vegetables, garlic, herbs, and simple spices. It’s perfect for cozy meals and meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: French-inspired
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups green or brown lentils rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice optional
  • Chopped parsley for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add lentils, broth, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  5. Discard bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice if using. Adjust seasoning.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you're not vegetarian.
  • For extra creaminess, blend half the soup and stir it back in.
  • If using canned lentils, reduce simmering time to 15 minutes.