Lentil Peasant Soup
A hearty, flavorful lentil peasant soup featuring tomatoes, rice, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians or those seeking a nourishing dish.
Ingredients
- 7 cups water ⓘ
- 8 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup lentils ⓘ
- 1 cup brown or wild rice ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped carrot ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry ⓘ
- 5 garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except vinegar, salt, and pepper in a soup pot and simmer covered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cider vinegar; season with salt and pepper.
- Thin with water or chicken broth as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or other vegetables like zucchini. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bouillon cubes and use vegetable broth instead. Adjust the spices to your taste; try adding more curry for a spicier kick. This Lentil Peasant Soup can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Layered Turkey Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a boost of flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving to enhance the dish's aroma.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. This soup also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Peasant Soup contains roughly 2880 calories, with 114g protein, 429g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (504% of the Daily Value), protein (228% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2611mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, you can use green or black lentils instead of brown lentils. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture. Red lentils cook faster and will break down more, resulting in a creamier soup.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except the vinegar, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the vinegar before serving and adjust seasoning to taste.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).