A Deliciously Tasty Black Lentil Soup Recipe
No matter what season of the year we are in, this deliciously tasty black lentil soup recipe is sure to have mouths watering. It’s a great recipe for any family that is looking to put together quick, healthy and tasty dinners on the fly. After all, the best soups are a delightful addition to the menu all year round. You do not need to wait for the snow before you start breaking out all of the top soup recipes at your disposal.
As long as you have a kitchen and a hungry family, this recipe is sure to have a lot of appeal. This recipe is especially crucial, as it allows us to finally find the perfect usage for that bag of old black lentils that has been sitting in the cupboard for some time now. If the black lentils are not expired, they are a great addition to any soup.
The Difference Between Black Lentils + Red/Green
They differ in taste from the red and green lentils that you know and love but there is nothing wrong with making soup with them. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to remove this recipe from your regular rotation once you have had the chance to try it out. For starters, you are going to notice that the black lentils will hold their shape better than their red or green counterparts.
The flavor profile of black lentils also differs immensely from red and green lentils. Red lentils are more mild and green lentils tend to have a stronger flavor. With black lentils, you are able to split the difference. They have a deeper flavor that has been compared to more earthy items. This makes it a great choice for any soup that you are considering.
The deliciously tasty black lentil soup that we are about to share with you is simple to make, as many of the ingredients should already be on hand. It is always nice to have access to recipes that do not require multiple trips to the grocery store. Let’s take a closer look at this delicious and healthy recipe, shall we?
Prep Time/Cook Time
The prep time for this soup is only 10 minutes. The remainder of the cooking time will only take 40 minutes, giving you the chance to enjoy this delightful meal in just under an hour. If you follow this recipe to the letter, you should have enough soup on hand to serve 6 people.
Ingredients
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Onion (1, chopped)
- Garlic cloves (2, crushed)
- Baby carrots (1 cup, chopped)
- White mushrooms (2 cups, sliced)
- Black beluga lentils (1 cup, they will need to be picked over and rinsed)
- Vegetable broth (32 ounces)
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Pepper (1/4 of a teaspoon)
- White vinegar (1 teaspoon)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1:
The onion, garlic, and carrots will all be sautéed in the olive oil. Be sure to set the soup on medium heat. This step of the process will take roughly 5 to 7 minutes. You will know that it is time to move on when the mixture has had the chance to soften.
Step 2:
Add the mushrooms to the soup now. You will want to cook the mixture for about 5 minutes before moving onto the next step.
Step 3:
Now, the lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper are added to the soup.
Step 4:
Bring the soup to a boil and once this step has been handled, take a moment to reduce the heat. This soup should be cooked on medium-low now. You will want to wait 30 minutes before proceeding, giving the lentils a chance to get nice and tender. Be sure to keep a close watch on the level of the liquid. If it starts to get too low, add some water to the soup.
Step 5:
Once the soup is finished, add some vinegar and stir it up. It is now ready to serve.
The Health Benefits of Black Lentil Soup
Black lentils happen to be quite nutritious, serving as a great source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus and manganese. Anyone who is seeking a protein boost that will lead to a higher level of energy will often rely on black lentils. They are also a wonderful choice for any vegetarians and vegans who are looking to up their protein intake.
Black lentils are also quite high in fiber, which makes them a great choice for anyone who is looking to promote regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy bacteria within the gut. Of course, all of the essential vitamins and minerals that can be found in black lentils are great but there is another benefit that we would be remiss not to mention. The black lentil is chock full of what is known as phytochemicals.
These beneficial plant compounds are a great way to safeguard against a wide range of different health-related issues. They are proven to protect against diabetes and heart disease. Those who consume lentils daily are also protected against bad cholesterol, while their good cholesterol is enhanced. While other lentils lose shape when cooked, black lentils allow us to avoid these annoyances.
So why does the black lentil hold up more nicely when it comes time to making a soup? What is it about the black lentil that allows us to enjoy the health benefits without any of the usual drawbacks? The thicker skin is the unsung hero here. Instead of other lentils that will disintegrate while they are cooking, black lentils do not have the same issue.
To add to the joy, black lentils are also very low in calories and there are no saturated fats to speak of. The high fiber content is a great way to enhance one’s diet, without having to make any sort of major changes. Blood sugar levels are sure to decrease and it becomes easier to achieve a healthier weight. The black lentil is also highly affordable, unlike other healthy foods that are more costly to add to the regular rotation.
Black lentils are a great source of iron, too. Without the proper amount, it is not as easy for the body to create new blood. The oxygen within the body is able to move around more easily with the proper iron exposure, which provides us with far more energy. Free radical damage within the body is fought with regular lentil consumption as well.
So there you have it: a soup that checks all of the boxes. It’s cheap, easy, healthy and can be made quickly. Thanks to all of these benefits, we expect to see more and more people chowing down on this deliciously tasty black lentil soup recipe, regardless of the season.
