Lentil Soup

This smooth, yet rustic soup is very hearty, and boasts earthy tones of cumin and thyme.

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What you need:

  • 1 to 1-1⁄2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 2 cups red onion, finely chopped 
  • 1-1⁄2 cups celery, finely chopped 
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, minced 
  • 3 ⁄4 teaspoon sea salt 
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 
  • 1-1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano 
  • 1-1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme 
  • 3-1⁄2 cups cooked chickpeas (reserve 1 cup) 
  • 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed 
  • 2 cups zucchini or fresh tomatoes, chopped 
  • 3 cups vegetable stock 
  • 2 cups water 
  • 2 dried bay leaves 
  • 1 ⁄4 to 1⁄3 cup fresh lemon juice 
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

What you do:

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in a soup pot. Add onion, celery, garlic, salt, pepper and dried spices. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes.
  2. Add 2-1⁄2 cups of chickpeas (reserving 1 cup), lentils, zucchini or tomatoes, stock, water, bay leaves and stir through. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil. Once at a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are softened and dissolved.
  3. Remove bay leaves and stir in 1⁄4 cup of lemon juice. Using a hand blender, purée the soup, keeping a chunky consistency. Stir in remaining 1 cup of chickpeas. Season if desired with additional sea salt, pepper, extra lemon juice, optional freshly chopped thyme, and serve.