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Hearty soups have long held a cherished place in culinary traditions around the world. Often associated with warmth and comfort, they represent a communal experience—bringing families together and invoking a sense of nostalgia. Whether it's a cold winter night or a chilly autumn afternoon, a steaming bowl of soup can provide nourishment for both the body and soul. Among the myriad of soup recipes, the Rustic Harvest Vegetable & Lentil Soup stands out as a quintessential choice, embodying the essence of seasonal ingredients and wholesome nutrition.

Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Rustic Harvest Vegetable & Lentil Soup, a perfect blend of seasonal veggies and hearty lentils. This comforting recipe not only showcases the earthy flavors and nutrition of plant-based ingredients but also brings people together. Enjoy the delicate dance of spices and the health benefits packed into each serving. Whether it's for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is a nourishing embrace from nature. Discover how to create this delightful dish with our step-by-step guide!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, with their juices)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 bay leaf

6 cups vegetable broth

2 cups spinach or kale, roughly chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

    Add the Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper into the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to become slightly tender.

      Incorporate Lentils & Spices: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

        Pour in the Broth: Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

          Add the Greens: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

            Serve & Garnish: Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor, and enjoy it warm!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings

                Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and drizzle a small amount of additional olive oil on top. You can also add a slice of crusty bread on the side to create a complete and inviting meal.