This recipe recreates the delicious and nourishing lentil soup often found at Whole Foods Market, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a flavorful broth. It's perfect for a chilly evening and easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
What Makes This Recipe Whole Foods-Worthy?
Whole Foods Market is known for its commitment to quality ingredients and wholesome recipes. This recipe reflects that philosophy by prioritizing:
- High-quality lentils: Using brown or green lentils ensures a hearty texture and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Fresh vegetables: We'll use a variety of fresh vegetables for depth of flavor and nutritional value.
- Flavorful broth: Homemade vegetable broth elevates the soup, but store-bought low-sodium broth works well too.
- Aromatic spices: A blend of warming spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or low-sodium store-bought)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the lentils and broth: Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a lemon wedge for a bright, acidic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes! While brown and green lentils are ideal for their texture and flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like red or yellow lentils. Keep in mind that red and yellow lentils cook faster, so you may need to adjust the simmering time accordingly.
How can I make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable broth and doesn't include any animal products. Just ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly if using a store-bought version.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I add to make it more flavorful?
Consider adding a bay leaf while simmering for a deeper, more complex flavor. A splash of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it's vegan if needed) or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can also add depth. You could also incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of lentil flour or cornstarch mixed with a little cold water towards the end of the cooking time.
This Whole Foods Market-inspired lentil soup recipe is a testament to simple, wholesome cooking. Enjoy its hearty flavor and nutritious benefits! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference and feel free to experiment with additional vegetables and spices to create your own signature version.
