How to cook best lentil soup

Lentils are quicker and easier to prepare than other dried beans.

Lentils, besides being tasty and filling, carry a great many health benefits. They are high in dietary fiber, folate, magnesium and B vitamins. They are also low in fat, and may help lower cholesterol. Although many different varieties of lentil are available - heart-shaped or oval disks in yellow, red, black, brown or green - it is the brown oval-shaped lentils that are used most often in lentil soup because they hold together best when cooked.

Things You'll Need

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. curry powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups dry brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup spinach, cut in strips
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Put the lentils in a colander and rinse them under cold running water to remove dirt, stray pebbles, or other debris.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large deep pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery, and saute until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, bay leaf, oregano, cumin, curry powder and basil. Cook this combination for two minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Mix in the lentils, along with the water, broth and tomatoes.

5. Bring the soup to a boil. As soon as the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat and cook on low for 60 minutes or until lentils are fork tender.

6. Add spinach to the soup. Stir the soup until the spinach wilts.

7. Stir in balsamic vinegar just before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• Lean beef, bacon, sausage or diced ham may be added if desired.

• Diced potatoes may also be added.

• Wine or balsamic vinegar may be substituted for apple cider vinegar.

• Cooked lentils keep fresh in the refrigerator for three days in a covered container.

• Remove the bay leaf before serving.

References

• Dr. Weil's Healthy Kitchen: Lentil Soup
• Allrecipes.com: Lentil Soup Recipe
• World's Healthiest Foods: Lentils