Hearty Humble Lentil Soup

Hearty & Humble Lentil Soup: A Pocket Friendly Powerhouse

Fancy something that's both good for you and your wallet? Honestly, who doesn't? This lentil soup is the definition of cheap healthy meals .

It's proper tasty, packed with goodness, and won't break the bank. Trust me, this one is a winner.

Budget Bites: A Soup with History

Lentil soup has been around for yonks. It's a staple in loads of cultures. This version is dead easy to make, taking about an hour start to finish.

One batch makes about six servings, ideal for a family or meal prepping.

The Good Stuff Inside: Why It's Ace

This soup is a nutritional goldmine. Lentils are packed with fiber. Fiber is proper good for your digestion. It's also perfect for a cold day.

Basically, it's comfort food that's actually good for you. It makes this recipe special because you don't have to feel bad indulging.

Okay, right then! Let's get this cobblers sorted. I'll put on my Delia apron and channel my inner Mumsnet bargain hunter to find the best for cheap healthy meals , keeping that lentil soup recipe firmly in mind.

Budget lentil soup sounds good. It’s got all the right signals.

Time for the ingredients.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you need for this cracking soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream (optional)
• Crusty bread for serving

Easy lentil soup recipe ? Yeah, this list ain't scary.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

Honestly? It's the taste. The smoked paprika gives it a real depth. The lemon juice at the end brightens it all up.

It's also mega adaptable. You can chuck in whatever veggies you have knocking about.

We are aiming for healthy recipes on a budget . We hit the brief, innit?

Ingredients & Equipment for Budget Bliss

Okay, right then! Let's get this lentil cobblers sorted. I'll put on my Delia apron to find the best for " cheap healthy meals .

" This recipe's all about making your money stretch.

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to whip up a batch of seriously satisfying budget lentil soup . This is proper comfort food without breaking the bank.

Honestly, it's easier than you think.

Main Players

• Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Any decent olive oil will do.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped. About 200g. Go for firm, no soft spots.
• Carrots: 2 medium , chopped. Roughly 150g. Slightly bendy? Still good!
• Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. Around 100g. Should be crisp ish.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher, the better the flavour.
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp . Adds that lovely herby note.
• Smoked paprika: ½ tsp . Optional, but adds amazing depth.
• Veggie broth: 8 cups (2 litres). Low sodium is best. Watch the salt!
• Brown or green lentils: 1 cup (200g), rinsed. Lentils should be clean.
• Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can , undrained. Tinned toms are a lifesaver.
• Bay leaf: 1 . It's the quiet hero.

Seasoning Power Ups

We're talking about salt and pepper, obviously. But don't be shy. A good squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (about 1-2 tbsp ) at the end is key.

It lifts all the flavours. For lentil soup variations , try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Honestly, it transforms everything.

Essential Kit

You don't need fancy gear for easy lentil soup recipe . A big pot or Dutch oven is ideal. A chopping board, sharp knife, measuring cups, and a ladle are your allies.

No fancy stuff needed. If you haven't got a Dutch oven, you can use any large pan with a lid.

That's it. Easy peasy. I once made this in a camping pot. It worked fine. This really is one of those simple cheap family meals.

Cooking Method: The Humble Simmer

Okay, right then! Let's get this cheap healthy meals cobblers sorted. I'll put on my Delia apron. A good simmer, honestly, it's the unsung hero of cooking.

It's how my Nan made her famous stews, and how I make budget lentil soup sing.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row, Love!

Essential mise en place , that's fancy talk for getting organized. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Rinse those lentils. This is all super important for time saving organization . Honestly? I once tried to chop an onion while the garlic was burning.

Never again.

step-by-step: Simmering Success for a Cheap Family Meal

1. Sauté the veg: Heat olive oil in a big pot on medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften, about 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute. That aroma? That's the magic.
2. Add everything else: Stir in vegetable broth, lentils, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf.
3. Simmer, don't boil: Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat right down. Cover it and simmer for 30- 40 minutes , until the lentils are tender. Give it a stir now and again. I've forgotten to do this before and ended up with burnt soup.
4. Season: Take out the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens it all up.
5. Serve up some affordable vegan meals : Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley, yogurt, and crusty bread, if you like.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Lentil Game

Always rinse your lentils. Trust me on this. It stops them from getting all starchy and weird. Want a creamier one-pot lentil soup ? Use a hand blender to whiz up a bit of it.

Don't over blend it all. It's supposed to be rustic! My Mum makes a vegetarian budget recipes version. For a tasty healthy recipes on a budget , a great alternative is to add one to two teaspoons of curry powder for a curried twist.

Honestly? Simmering is forgiving. It allows the flavours to meld. It's the key to some of the best cheap healthy meals around. So get simmering, my friend! It's proper lush.

Recipe Notes for Your Brilliant Lentil Soup!

Alright, right then! Let's get this cobblers sorted. I'll put on my Delia apron and channel my inner Mumsnet bargain hunter to find the best for "cheap healthy meals," keeping that lentil soup recipe firmly in mind.

Serving Like a Pro

Plating can make all the difference, you know? A simple swirl of yogurt and a sprinkle of parsley turns this budget lentil soup into something special.

I sometimes add a drizzle of olive oil too. It just looks so inviting! For sides, think simple. A crisp green salad or some crusty bread for dipping are perfect.

And for a drink? A nice, cold glass of water or maybe some iced tea does the trick.

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Honestly, this soup is even better the next day. Like, seriously. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat, just pop it in a pot on the stove or microwave it until piping hot. Make sure its steaming!

Twist It Up!

Fancy a change? You can totally adapt this recipe. Make it vegan by skipping the yogurt. Easy peasy! Or go spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

I tried a curried version once added 2 teaspoons of curry powder and it was divine. For seasonal swaps, try adding some roasted butternut squash in the fall.

Lentil soup variations are endless.

The Good Stuff Inside

This soup is more than just a cheap family meals option, it's actually good for you! It's packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full.

Plus, it's a great source of protein and iron. Think about it: around 250 calories, ~15g protein, ~5g fat, ~35g carbohydrates, ~10g fiber and ~5g sugar per serving! This is definitely one of those healthy recipes on a budget !

This humble lentil soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how affordable vegan meals and quick healthy dinners can be both delicious and nourishing.

Give it a go, experiment with the lentil soup nutritional information available, and make it your own! You've got this! And remember, creating cheap healthy meals doesn't mean sacrificing flavor this one-pot lentil soup proves it!

I hope you will agree that this easy lentil soup recipe is worth its weight in gold, and helps you to enjoy vegetarian budget recipes !

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lentil soup really one of those cheap healthy meals I keep hearing about?

Absolutely! Lentils are incredibly affordable and packed with protein and fiber. Paired with budget friendly veggies and stock, lentil soup is a champion of cheap healthy meals. Think of it as your own personal superpower against those pesky takeaway temptations. You will feel like you've won Masterchef!

Can I freeze lentil soup? I always make too much!

You bet! Lentil soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop.

This is batch cooking at its finest, a real "Blue Peter" moment for your kitchen!

How can I add more flavor to my lentil soup? It sometimes tastes a bit bland.

Flavour is key! Don't be shy with the seasonings. Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, and a squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up. Experiment with different herbs and spices, like cumin, coriander, or a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.

Think of yourself as a culinary "Spice Girl" and add some zing!

I'm a vegetarian. How can I make sure this lentil soup is truly suitable?

Great question! The key is to use vegetable broth, not chicken broth. Also, if you are using yogurt or sour cream as a topping, be sure to get a vegetarian friendly alternative. You could also use a dollop of coconut cream for a vegan twist. It’s all about those simple swaps easy peasy lemon squeezy!

What kind of lentils are best for this soup, and do I need to soak them first?

Brown or green lentils are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking. Red lentils will work too, but they tend to break down more and create a thicker, creamier soup. Good news you don't need to soak brown or green lentils beforehand!

Just give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any debris. Easy as pie!

Can I use an Instant Pot or slow cooker for this cheap healthy meals recipe?

Absolutely! For the Instant Pot, sauté the aromatics as directed, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

For the slow cooker, sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. These methods are so easy, that even Mr. Bean could do it!