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Lentil and vegetable soup

15 min
Lentil and vegetable soup

The joy of homemade soup is unlike anything else, and our lentil and vegetable soup stands as a great example of that. This recipe brings together the nutty taste of red lentils with a mix of vegetables. Each mouthful is chock-full of deliciousness, especially when topped with a swirl of crème fraiche. Savour the taste with slices of crusty bread.

Ingredients

Dried red lentils
200 ml
White cabbages
300 g
Small leek
1
Vegetable broth
1 l
White wine vinegar
2 tbsp
Fresh parsley, chopped
50 ml
Creme fraiche with Parmesan & garlic
200 ml
Wholemeal bread
4 slices

Instructions

  • Finely shred white cabbage.
  • Slice the leek.
  • Boil vegetable broth and add lentils. Let it boil for about 5 minutes.
  • Add white cabbage and leeks and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Season with vinegar and mix in parsley.
  • Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche and bread.
Enjoy!

Choose the best white cabbage

When choosing white cabbage, opt for one that feels heavy for its size, as this indicates that it is fresh. Additionally, examine the leaves closely and look for those that are tightly packed, crisp, and have a bright green colour. Avoid any with yellowing or limp leaves. If you prefer a softer and sweeter taste, consider selecting smaller cabbages, which are perfect for making soup.

Prepare the leek

To prepare the leek, first cut off the root and dark green top, leaving only the pale green and white parts. Split the leek down the middle and rinse it well to remove any dirt or grit. Then, finely chop the leek into even sized pieces.

FAQ: Questions about lentil and vegetable soup

Here, we answer commonly asked questions you might have while preparing this soup. Learn how to prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers.

Can I prepare lentil and vegetable soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare our lentil and vegetable soup in advance. Once you have cooked it as instructed in the recipe, allow it to cool before transferring it to your fridge. Want to enjoy it again? Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, and you will have a hot and delicious meal ready in no time.

How can I store leftover lentil and vegetable soup?

For fresh-tasting lentil and vegetable soup, store it in a sealed container and place it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 4 days. When you are ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it either on the stove or in the microwave. On the stove, pour the desired amount into a pot and heat it slowly over medium heat while stirring occasionally until it is heated through. If you are using a microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely to avoid splattering. Heat it in short intervals, and make sure to stir in between.

Can I freeze lentil and vegetable soup?

Yes, you can freeze lentil and vegetable soup for up to 3 months. Ensure the soup has cooled before you pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave a bit of space at the top of each container. This gives the soup room to expand during freezing. Seal the containers well to prevent any spills or freezer burns. To enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Try our easy lentil and vegetable soup

One of the joys of cooking at home is preparing an easy but delicious meal and serving it to your family. Luckily, our lentil and vegetable soup is both simple and delicious. By combining tender red lentils with leeks and white cabbage, this soup offers deep and earthy flavours. The broth is infused with white wine vinegar and parsley, which balances the richness with bright, tangy notes. For a finishing touch, each serving is topped with some crème fraiche for a richer texture.

A slight nutty taste from red lentils

Red lentils contribute a nutty flavour while also adding substance and texture to the soup. As they cock, they break down and introduce a slightly creamy element. One of the reasons red lentils work so well in a tasty recipe like this is their ability to absorb surrounding liquids, refining the overall flavour. This helps thicken the soup, resulting in a velvety texture that feels incredibly pleasing.

Want to try more soups? Check out our recipes for spicy lentil soup, carrot and lentil soup, or tomato and lentil soup with croutons.

With white cabbage and leek

White cabbage and leek are the unsung heroes of the vegetable world, but in this recipe, they play a starring role. The crunchy, sweet layers of white cabbage meld beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the leek. Both soften beautifully upon cooking and complement the peppery notes of the fresh parsley and the tangy taste of the white wine vinegar.

Served with a dollop of crème fraiche and a slice of bread

Crème fraiche offers a creamy finish to the lentil and vegetable soup, adding just enough of a fresh and tangy spark without overpowering the conversation. And let us not forget the wholemeal bread. It is your trusty spoon for every last drop of soup. Sturdy and satisfying, this bread is perfect for scooping up all that creamy goodness, ensuring that no drop is left behind.

Add your own flair to the recipe

This lentil and vegetable soup offers endless possibilities for customisation. For a richer flavour, add a bouquet garni. This technique involves tying together herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary or wrapping them in cheesecloth. Place the bouquet garni in the simmering broth to infuse it with aromatic notes.

You can substitute red lentils with brown or green ones, but they usually need longer to cook. Since these lentils do not break down as much as red ones when cooked, they are perfect if you are looking for a chunkier soup with a bite more bite.

If you are missing some extra crunch, garnish the soup with homemade herb and garlic croutons. Once added, they slowly start to soften just a bit and soak up some of the delicious flavours surrounding them.

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