Lemony Lentil Soup

This quick recipe for wholesome lentil soup comes together in less than 20 minutes and makes a satisfying meal paired with fresh bread and a green salad. Soothing for sick folks and sad folks alike, this soup is magically healing.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp olive oil (optional) or water

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• 4 cups vegetable broth, or 2 bouillon cubes + 4 cups of water

• 2 bay leaves

• Zest from one lemon, plus juice of half the lemon

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp minced garlic or 2 cloves, minced

• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

In a 2+ Quart pot or Instant Pot, saute the onion, celery and carrot with a tsp of olive oil or water over medium-high heat until fragrant with some browning spots.

Add in the lentils, broth, bay leaves and pop the lid on. For the Instant Pot, set to Manual, 6 minutes. For stove-top, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer about 15 minutes, until the lentils are mostly dissolved.

Remove from the heat, stir in the parsley, lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, and fresh or minced garlic. Taste, and add salt & pepper as desired. If you’d like a spicy kick to this super simple soup, try stirring in a tsp of curry powder.

Makes about 6 cups of soup.

Recipe inspired by The Kitchn