When you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, wholesome, and easy to prepare, this Lentil and Rice Comfort Soup ticks all the boxes. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, rice, and vegetables, this one-pot wonder delivers warmth and flavor in every bite. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something nourishing, this soup is versatile, affordable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup lentils (rinsed)
- 1/3 cup rice (rinsed)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 1/2 cups cauliflower, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ginger, grated
- 5-6 cups water (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves (or your choice of fresh herbs, for garnish)
- 2 mushrooms, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the lentils and rice thoroughly under cold water. Set aside. Finely chop the onion and garlic, grate the carrot and cauliflower, and slice the mushrooms.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrot, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the hot paprika, dried oregano, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with spices.
- Mix Lentils and Grains: Toss the washed lentils and rice into the pot. Give it a good stir to blend all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Add 5 to 6 cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a soft simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are fully tender.
- Season and Finish: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the soup with a spoon or blend lightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh oregano or other herbs of your choice. Serve hot and enjoy!
Conclusion:
This Lentil and Rice Comfort Soup is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a balanced meal. The combination of tender lentils, soft rice, and fresh vegetables makes it a heartwarming dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite spices and herbs, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Hearty Lentil and Rice Comfort Soup
A warm, hearty soup made with lentils, rice, and amedley of vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lentils rinsed
- 1/3 cup rice rinsed
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot grated
- 2 1/2 cups cauliflower grated or finely chopped
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ginger grated
- 5-6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves or your choice of fresh herbs, for garnish
- 2 mushrooms thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the lentils and rice thoroughly under cold water. Set aside. Finely chop the onion and garlic, grate the carrot and cauliflower, and slice the mushrooms.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the carrot, cauliflower, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the hot paprika, dried oregano, and grated ginger. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly with spices.
- Mix Lentils and Grains: Toss the washed lentils and rice into the pot. Give it a good stir to blend all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Add 5 to 6 cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a soft simmer. Cover and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are fully tender.
- Season and Finish: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. For a thicker consistency, mash a portion of the soup with a spoon or blend lightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh oregano or other herbs of your choice. Serve hot and enjoy!