Description
Hearty lentil and vegetable winter warmer soup offers comfort during cold months. Rich Mediterranean flavors blend perfectly with simple ingredients. Nourishing warmth fills bowls, inviting you to savor each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 liters/6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked or canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup (150 g) cooked or canned white beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ½ cup (75 g) pearl barley or orzo pasta (optional, for a thicker soup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence in approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Spice Infusion: Add cubed potatoes and butternut squash, coating with smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow vegetables to caramelize and absorb spices for 2-3 minutes.
- Liquid Integration: Pour broth into the pot, bringing to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let vegetables tenderize for 18-20 minutes until potatoes and squash become fork-tender.
- Protein and Grain Harmony: Introduce drained chickpeas, white beans, and selected grain (barley or orzo) to the simmering liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a rich, slightly thickened consistency.
- Verdant Finish: Incorporate chopped kale or spinach, cooking until greens wilt and turn vibrant green, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Presentation: Ladle steaming soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a comforting winter meal.
Notes
- Sauté Strategically: Caramelize vegetables slowly to develop deep, rich flavors without burning. Keep heat at medium and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and maximum taste development.
- Spice Balance: Adjust smoked paprika and herbs according to preference, but don’t overpower the natural vegetable sweetness. Start with smaller amounts and taste as you go.
- Grain Selection Matters: Different grains absorb liquid differently. Barley takes longer to cook and adds more texture, while orzo cooks faster and creates a smoother soup consistency.
- Greens Timing: Add leafy greens like kale or spinach at the very end to preserve nutrients, color, and prevent overcooking. Wilting should take no more than 2-3 minutes for optimal freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg