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As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, comfort food becomes a staple in many households. A warm bowl of soup not only provides nourishment but also brings a sense of warmth and coziness that is especially welcome during the colder months. One such comforting dish is the Warm & Cozy Lentil Delight Soup, which boasts a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Warm up your chilly evenings with this comforting Warm & Cozy Lentil Delight Soup. Packed with nutritious lentils, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices, this hearty soup is easy to make and perfect for a wholesome meal. Rich in protein and fiber, it's a fantastic plant-based option for everyone. Discover the joy of creating a delicious dish that not only nourishes but fills your home with warmth and love during the colder months.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

6 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell its aroma.

    Add Vegetables: Introduce the diced carrots, celery, and potato to the pot. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a bit of color.

      Incorporate Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, along with the diced zucchini and chopped red bell pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all the ingredients are well distributed throughout the pot.

        Season the Soup: Carefully pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot, then add the undrained canned tomatoes, dried thyme, ground cumin, and the bay leaf. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.

          Simmer: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables have reached a tender consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Final Touches: After simmering, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. For a creamier texture, you may use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or simply mash some lentils against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon.

              Serve: Ladle the comforting soup into bowls and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                  Presentation Tips: For an inviting visual appeal, consider serving the soup with a slice of crusty bread on the side and a sprinkle of additional parsley for a pop of color.