Winter Warm-Up
A hearty, comforting lentil and vegetable stew with herbs, perfect for warming up during cold winter days and suitable for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
- 5 c. water ⓘ
- 1 c. lentils
- 1/2 c. barley ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped or celery tops ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 to 2 medium potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 2 to 3 chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced parsley ⓘ
- salt or salt substitute ⓘ
- 1 to 2 packets sugar substitute ⓘ
- 1/2 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dill leaves (weed) ⓘ
Instructions
- Pick over lentils for stones and weed seeds.
- Rinse lentils and add to water in a crock-pot or cooking pot.
- Add barley, chopped celery or celery tops, chopped onion, diced potatoes, chopped carrots, Italian seasoning, dill leaves, and tomato paste.
- Simmer until vegetables and lentils are tender.
- Add minced parsley and sugar substitute.
- Salt to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced tomatoes or a splash of vegetable broth for added flavor. You can substitute quinoa for barley if you're looking for a gluten-free option. To enhance the dish's taste, try using fresh herbs instead of dried. If you want a bit of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add warmth. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Winter Warm-Up soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Steamed Carrots And Red Potatoes for a nutritious side. You can also top each serving with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation. Perfect for cozy gatherings, this dish is a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Winter Warm-Up contains roughly 1338 calories, with 34g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the vegetables slightly, as they will continue to soften when reheated.
What kind of lentils should I use?
For this recipe, green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold their shape during cooking. Red lentils will cook faster and become mushy, which may alter the texture of the soup. Make sure to rinse and sort your lentils before cooking to remove any debris.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meatier version, you can add cooked sausage or shredded chicken. Just stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This will add a rich flavor and protein boost, making it even more filling.
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).