Lentil Soup with Carrots🥗 & Celery: A Cozy, Wholesome Lunch Recipe
Looking for a lunch that feels like comfort food but is packed with nutrients? This Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery is just what you need. It’s warm, nourishing, and made with simple ingredients — the kind of recipe you’ll return to week after week. Whether you're working from home, need a meal prep idea, or simply craving a bowl of something good, this soup delivers big on flavor and nutrition.
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| "Warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients – Lentil Soup with Carrots & Celery!" Image Credit: www.foodwaala09.com |
What Makes This Soup So Special?
Let’s face it — lentils don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. But they’re one of the best sources of plant-based protein, incredibly affordable, and they cook faster than other legumes. When simmered with sweet carrots, fresh celery, and aromatic spices, they become the foundation of a soul-soothing dish. Here's why this soup stands out:
• Protein-rich and filling without being heavy
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly
• Loaded with fiber for gut health
• Perfect for make-ahead meals or freezing
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| "Simple ingredients, delicious comfort – perfect for a cozy lunch!" Image Credit: www.foodwaala09.com |
Ingredients You’ll Need:
You don’t need anything fancy — just a mix of fresh vegetables and pantry staples:
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils (rinsed well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (adds a fresh finish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-ons:
• A handful of chopped spinach or kale for a green boost
• A pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick
• Diced tomatoes for a richer flavor base
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| "Chop-chop! Elevate your flavors with a touch of spring onion." Image Credit: www.foodwaala09.com |
How to Make It:
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and turns golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Spices
Next, add the sliced carrots and celery. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes so they start to soften. Add the cumin, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the broth, add the rinsed lentils and the bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally, and check that the lentils are tender.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the lentils are fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly, remove the bay leaf. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it with a slice of whole grain bread or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pro Tips:
For a smoother texture, you can blend half the soup using an immersion blender, or mash it slightly with the back of a spoon.
Storing: Keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days and freezes beautifully.
Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Nutritional Benefits:
This soup isn’t just comforting — it’s good for you too! Lentils are high in iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Carrots bring beta-carotene, while celery supports hydration and digestion. All in all, it’s a balanced, low-fat meal that supports heart and gut health.
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| "Wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor — this lentil and carrot soup is comfort in a bowl!" Image Credit: www.foodwaala09.com |
Why This Should Be Your Go-To Lunch Recipe
There’s something timeless about a bowl of lentil soup. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home — humble, hearty, and healing. But it’s also practical: affordable ingredients, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to suit different tastes and diets. Whether you’re following a plant-based lifestyle or just looking to eat more whole foods, this Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery is a smart and satisfying choice.
So the next time you need a lunch that energizes and comforts in equal measure, whip up a
pot of this wholesome soup. Trust me — your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
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