Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the rinsed red lentils. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken breast, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the lentils are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, protein-rich soup!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with diced tofu or tempeh.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Try chicken broth or bone broth for a richer flavor.
- Use fresh vegetables, high-quality broth, and lean protein sources for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the lentils and ensure they don’t become mushy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure a well-balanced flavor.
- Allowing the soup to simmer for the recommended time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg