COZY Mediterranean Lentil Soup | Quick & Easy ONE-POT Recipe

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier and water is a cost-effective option.

parsley

🥗Healthier: cilantro

💰Cheaper: spinach

Cilantro provides a fresh flavor, while spinach is a budget-friendly green.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Dried basil can substitute for bay leaves in flavor.

Heat a stock pot over medium heat and add 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil (45 ml).

Finely chop 1 small zucchini (skin on) and add it to the pot, mixing it around to coat in olive oil.

Sauté the zucchini for about 4-5 minutes until lightly sautéed, then remove it from the pot and set aside.

Finely chop 1 small onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 2 celery stalks, and 1 peeled carrot.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot, mixing continuously for even sautéing for about 4 minutes until lightly sautéed.

Add 1 tsp of dried oregano (1 g), 1/2 tsp of dried thyme (0.5 g), and 1/4 tsp of crushed red pepper (a little over 0.5 g) to the pot and mix.

Add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce (120 g) to the pot and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Rinse 1 cup of dried lentils (200 g) under water in a fine sieve.

After simmering the tomato sauce for 3-4 minutes, add the rinsed lentils and 1 liter of water (about 4 1/4 cups) to the pot.

Turn the heat to high and mix gently until it comes to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.

Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are just cooked through, checking package instructions for timing.

Once the lentils are cooked, turn off the heat and add the sautéed zucchini back into the pot.

Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil (10 g) and squeeze in 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (15 ml).

Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then mix gently until well combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary