How To Make Lentil Soup Healthy

Health Benefits of Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that can provide great health benefits. Lentils are a legume that are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great choice for a healthy diet. Lentil soup can provide a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, increased energy, improved heart health, and better weight management.

Ingredients for Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a very versatile meal that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Common ingredients include lentils, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, and broth. Other ingredients that can be added include herbs, spices, and vegetables such as spinach, kale, and mushrooms. Lentil soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables that you may have in your fridge.

How to Make Lentil Soup

Making lentil soup is a simple process that requires minimal effort and time. Begin by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot with a bit of olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add in the garlic and cook for another minute. Then add in the lentils and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Finally, add in the tomatoes and season with herbs and spices. Simmer for another 10 minutes and then serve.

Tips for Making Lentil Soup Healthy

Here are some tips for making lentil soup healthy. First, use low-sodium broth or vegetable broth instead of regular broth. This will reduce the amount of sodium in the soup. Second, opt for leaner cuts of meat such as chicken or turkey. Adding leaner meats will reduce the fat and calories in the soup. Third, add in plenty of vegetables such as spinach, kale, mushrooms, and tomatoes. These vegetables will add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the soup. Finally, use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor the soup. This will give the soup more flavor without the added sodium.

Serving Suggestions for Lentil Soup

Lentil soup can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish. It can be served with a variety of accompaniments such as crusty bread, a side salad, or a dollop of plain yogurt. It can also be served with rice or quinoa for an added boost of protein. For a heartier meal, add in some diced cooked chicken or turkey. Lentil soup can be served hot or cold and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Conclusion

Lentil soup is a nutritious and delicious meal that can provide a variety of health benefits. It is easy to make and can be customized with a variety of ingredients. To make lentil soup healthy, opt for low-sodium broth, leaner cuts of meat, plenty of vegetables, and herbs and spices for flavoring. Lentil soup can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.