Creamy Lentil Soup
This satisfying creamy lentil soup is made with protein-packed lentils cooked in a flavorful tomato broth infused with herbs, the right amount of heat, and rich thanks to a delicious touch of tangy cream cheese.The recipe yields 8 cups (about 6 servings).
Servings: 6
Calories: 280kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped (any color)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 Celery rib, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes
- 1 ½ cup (300 grams) green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (400 grams) Tomatoes (cherry, diced or whole tomatoes)
- 5 cups (1.2 l) Low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup (75 grams) cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, reducing the heat to low as needed.
- Add the garlic, herbs, spices, and cook, stirring, until fragrant for about 1 minute.
- Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook until the lentils are tender but not mushy (about 25 to 30 minutes).
- Turn the heat off, remove the bay leaf, stir in the cream cheese, lemon juice and onion powder, and stir a touch of water or broth if the soup is too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning to taste with extra salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if desired.
- An optional step for a creamier texture is to let the soup cool slightly, then transfer about 2 cups to a blender. Puree until smooth, then return the pureed soup to the pot and stir until combined.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (optional), and plenty of crusty bread for dunking or croutons. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition facts: The nutrition values are for one serving and are based on an online nutrition calculator. They are estimates only and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. Please see my disclosure policies.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 776mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2147IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 5mg