Description
Warm, hearty, and bursting with wholesome flavors, Hearty Lentil and Rice Comfort Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with protein-packed lentils, tender rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is a one-pot wonder perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. With warm spices and nourishing ingredients, every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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!
Notes
- Lentil Types: Use green or brown lentils for this recipe, as they hold their shape better than red lentils.
- Rice Options: White rice cooks faster, but brown rice adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor. Adjust the simmering time based on the type of rice used.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Freezing Tips: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Customize: Add spinach, zucchini, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired