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    Home » Recipes » Soups

    Hearty Lentil Soup Recipe

    Published: Jan 4, 2021 · Modified: Feb 3, 2022 · by Markie · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe

    This hearty lentil soup is perfect for the start of the New Year, but you will appreciate it during the whole winter!

    Lentil soup in a bowl. Served with a slice of bread.
    This lentil soup is healthy and hearty!
    Jump to:
    • Why Czechs Eat Lentils on New Year's Day
    • Key Ingredients For Lentil Soup
    • Storage
    • 📖 The Recipe

    Why Czechs Eat Lentils on New Year's Day

    The start of a new year is associated with traditions, superstitions and various proverbs in many cultures.

    In The Czech Republic, people eat lentils on New Years Day, because they believe that if they do so, money will 'stick' to them for the whole year.

    The shape of lentils mimics coins and that's perhaps the inspiration behind it.

    This is a nation-wide tradition and you would probably have to look for a household that doesn't follow the case!

    Any meal with lentils does the trick, but lentils as a side dish or lentil soup are the most popular ones.

    Previously, I've shared with you a recipe for lentil stew with gammon, and today I'm here with a recipe for a delicious lentil soup - which is perfect for a healthy (and wealthy) start of the year!

    Key Ingredients For Lentil Soup

    This lentil soup is simple to make and contains many basic ingredients such as lentils, stock, flour, dried herbs, and fresh vegetables such as carrots, onion and garlic. Bacon is fully optional.

    Lentils are a source of many valuable nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

    I've always cooked the soup with dried lentils and so the recipe is built around it. Remember to soak them in water for at least 3 hours before cooking. They will become softer and will cook more easily.

    If you're using canned lentils, follow the instructions on the can, and shorten your cooking times accordingly.

    Lentil soup served with a slice of toast
    There is a lot of good stuff 'hiding' at the bottom!

    For the stock, I usually use beef or pork, but chicken or vegetable stock will do it great justice as well. The latter one is ideal if you fancy a vegan meal and/or if you're doing Veganuary!

    This soup is very rich and filling and can be eaten as a main course too.

    Storage

    This lentil soup will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    It can be stored in a freezer. Leave to cool down and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Defrost directly in a stockpot, bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 mins and serve.

    Made this recipe? Share your picture on Instagram and tag @markieskitchencom & use the hashtag #markieskitchencom so I can see it!

    📖 The Recipe

    Lentil soup served with a crispy toast

    Healthy lentil soup recipe

    Markie | MarkiesKitchen.com
    A delicious hearty soup packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Find more recipes like this at markieskitchen.com
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Soaking time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 50 minutes mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine European
    Servings 8

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup dried green lentils
    • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 carrots
    • 2.5 l stock
    • 3 tablespoon sunflower or vegetable oil
    • 2 tablespoon plain flour
    • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley, or handful chopped fresh parsley
    • salt, black pepper, to taste
    • 4 slices bacon, diced, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Soak the dried lentils in a bowl of water (1.5l) for 3-12 hours before cooking.
    • In a large stockpot, heat the oil on medium heat. Add chopped onion and fry for 3-4mins or until soft and glossy.
    • Add the stock and turn up the heat. Drain and rinse the lentils. Once the stock starts to boil, add the rinsed lentils. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for 20 minutes.
    • In the meantime, peel the carrots and cut into small dices (0,5-1cm). Peel and gently crush the garlic.
    • Add the carrots and garlic into the soup and cook for 10-15 mins or until almost soft.
    • If adding bacon, fry it in a frying pan for 5 mins until lightly brown and crispy, set aside.
    • In a glass (or cup), mix flour with 100ml of water and whisk together with a fork until smooth and thick.
    • Add the flour and water mix into the soup. The soup will thicken. Add the bacon if using. Cook for another 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
    • Season with marjoram and parsley, taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
    • Serve warm with a slice of crusty bread or on its own. Enjoy!
    Keyword Czech food, lentil soup, lentils
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was! Give a star rating if you enjoyed it, this helps other readers who are looking for recipes like this!

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    About Markie

    Hi there! I'm a passionate home cook, food blogger and photographer. I enjoy making great food without having to run to the shop every day. I'm here to help you cook easy and delicious meals from classic pantry ingredients. More about me

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