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Autumn Root Vegetable Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup combines seasonal root vegetables, warming spices, and fresh herbs in a simmering broth to create a vibrant, comforting dish. The soup has a thick yet creamy texture with a colorful assortment of chopped vegetables, with bright notes of lemon to lift the earthy richness.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 cup dry lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon zest and juice for finishing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Heat the large soup pot over medium heat and add olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom.
  2. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato, cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and release their aroma.
  4. Add rinsed lentils, ground cumin, and cinnamon to the pot, stirring for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and evenly coat the vegetables.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
  6. Uncover the pot and stir the soup to check consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of hot broth and stir to loosen.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate the flavors.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.
  10. Serve the soup while hot, enjoying the vibrant flavors and comforting texture.

Notes

Feel free to customize by adding leftover roasted vegetables or a dash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.