Lentil Soup(Low Calorie)
A hearty, low‑calorie lentil soup bursting with warm spices, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, melt the margarine.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add the lentils, water, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cayenne, cumin and black pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1½ hours.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or a food processor with a metal blade.
- Serve hot.
- Serve 1 cup per serving, for a total of 8 servings.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced carrots or celery while sautéing the onion and garlic. If you're short on time, use canned lentils instead of dried; just reduce the cooking time. For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk before blending. This recipe is easily adaptable to vegan recipes by using vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Skillet Steak And Vegetable Dinner, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lentil Soup(Low Calorie) contains roughly 767 calories, with 16g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (270% of the Daily Value), iron (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (109% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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 freeze this lentil soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
To make the soup more filling, consider adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes during the cooking process. You could also include cooked quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! This lentil soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Always double-check any additional ingredients you might add to ensure they are also gluten-free.
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).