Welcome to my kitchen, where the delightful aroma of wholesome ingredients simmering on the stove fills the air. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that has not only warmed countless chilly evenings but also won over the hearts of many, my gluten-free lentil soup. As a passionate chef dedicated to crafting healthy and delicious meals, I’ve perfected this recipe to offer you a bowl of comfort and nourishment like no other. Join me on this culinary journey as we explore the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this gluten-free lentil soup. It’s time to embrace the art of creating a dish that’s both good for the body and soul.

Gluten Free Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup dried lentils (preferably red lentils): Lentils are the heart and soul of this soup. I’ve found that red lentils work exceptionally well, breaking down during cooking to create a creamy and hearty base. They also bring a lovely earthy flavor to the soup.
4 cups vegetable broth: Choosing a good quality vegetable broth is crucial to enhance the overall taste of the soup. Opt for a low-sodium option to control the salt content and allow the flavors of the other ingredients to shine.
1 onion, chopped: Onions are the unsung heroes of many dishes, lending a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. I recommend sautéing them until they’re translucent to bring out their natural sugars.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a beautiful aromatic essence to the soup. Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor and complements the lentils perfectly.
2 carrots, diced: Carrots impart a subtle sweetness and a burst of color to the soup. I prefer dicing them to a medium size, allowing them to soften just enough while maintaining a slight crunch.
2 celery stalks, diced: The addition of celery brings a refreshing, mild bitterness to balance the sweetness of the carrots and onions. It’s a great texture element in the soup.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, smoky note to the soup, enhancing its overall flavor profile. I find that just a teaspoon is enough to infuse the entire pot with its distinctive taste.
1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Turmeric not only imparts a beautiful golden hue but also contributes anti-inflammatory properties, making the soup even healthier. Its mild, slightly peppery flavor blends seamlessly with the lentils.
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning with salt and pepper is a delicate dance, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper at the right moment can make all the difference.
2 tablespoons olive oil: I prefer using olive oil for sautéing as it complements the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a subtle richness to the soup.

Gluten Free Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Ingredient Notes:

Selecting the right ingredients is akin to laying a strong foundation for a beautiful house. Red lentils, with their slightly sweet and nutty taste, truly shine in this soup, providing a creamy texture and absorbing the flavors of the spices and vegetables. When it comes to vegetables, the trio of onion, carrots, and celery forms a classic base, imparting depth and complexity. However, it’s important to avoid overpowering the lentils, allowing them to take the spotlight.

Opting for high-quality vegetable broth ensures a robust and delicious base, and a low-sodium variety allows for better control of the overall saltiness. The aromatic blend of garlic, cumin, and turmeric is like a symphony of flavors, giving the soup a warm, inviting taste that’s hard to resist. Lastly, a pinch of salt and pepper, used judiciously, acts as the finishing touch, tying all the flavors together harmoniously. This combination of carefully chosen ingredients ensures a soup that’s not only tasty but also a delightful journey of flavors and textures.

Gluten Free Lasagna Soup

How to Make This Recipe:

Preparation:

Rinse and Soak the Lentils:
Start by rinsing the lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the lentils in water for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Chop the Vegetables:
While the lentils are soaking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery as per the ingredient list, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Cooking:

Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until aromatic.
Add Spices:
Stir in the ground cumin and ground turmeric, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds. This enhances their flavors and infuses the soup base.
Incorporate Vegetables:
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften, blending in the flavors of the aromatics and spices.
Add Lentils and Broth:
Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all the lentils and vegetables are submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Simmer:
Once the soup starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have broken down, creating a creamy consistency.

Seasoning and Serving:

Season with Salt and Pepper:
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember to add a little at a time, tasting as you go to achieve the desired level of seasoning.
Serve:
Ladle the gluten-free lentil soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot, perhaps with a slice of crusty gluten-free bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.

Gluten Free Butternut Squash Soup

Storage and Freezing Instructions:

Storage:

Allow the gluten-free lentil soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and flavors.
Avoid storing the soup at room temperature for extended periods, as lentils can spoil easily.

Freezing:

Lentil soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for future meals.
Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
Seal the containers or bags tightly to prevent freezer burn and odors from affecting the soup.
Label the containers with the date of preparation for easy tracking.
The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months while still maintaining its taste and quality.

Tips to Make This Recipe:

Dos:

Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Ensure you rinse the lentils well to remove any excess starch, which can cause the soup to become too thick.
Soak Lentils: Pre-soaking the lentils for about 30 minutes helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more vegetable broth or water.

Don’ts:

Don’t Overcook Lentils: Be cautious not to overcook the lentils, as they can turn mushy and affect the texture of the soup.
Avoid Excessive Salt Early On: Be conservative with salt at the beginning, especially if using store-bought vegetable broth, as it may already contain salt. Adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking.

Points to Remember:

Stir Occasionally: Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to prevent lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the lentils to ensure they are cooked but not overly mushy.
Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on personal preference. Spinach or kale can be great additions.
Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice levels and types according to your taste. Adding a pinch of chili powder can provide a gentle kick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, you can use green or brown lentils, but keep in mind they may require a longer cooking time and may not result in the same creamy consistency as red lentils.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This gluten-free lentil soup is excellent for meal prepping. Store it in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Of course! Feel free to add cooked chicken, turkey, or even sausage for a protein boost and extra flavor. Add the cooked meat towards the end of cooking.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the soup according to your taste preferences.
Can I substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth. However, if you prefer a completely vegetarian or vegan option, stick with vegetable broth.

Gluten Free Lentil Soup

Recipe by Arthur Wilson

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time