Lentil Soup with Garlic Breads Recipe
Ingredients
- 200g (1 cup) green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1.2 liters (5 cups) vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 60g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (like baguette or ciabatta)
- 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp garlic powder
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Aromatics and Lentils
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and coriander. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas. Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and gently stir to coat them with the vegetable and spice mixture.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes along with their juice. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if the soup thickens too much.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the loaf of bread into thick slices and lay them on a baking tray. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder. Spread this mixture generously over each bread slice.
Step 5: Bake the Garlic Bread
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy. For an extra crisp finish, broil for an additional minute.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasoning if needed.
Conclusion
There you have it—a steaming bowl of lentil soup with a side of mouth-watering garlic bread, ready to grace your table. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an embrace, a comforting tradition that brings friends and family together, fostering warmth and conversation. Experiment with ingredients based on your preferences, and don’t hesitate to share this treat with loved ones. Bon Appétit!
