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–+ servings
Smoky Lentil & Leek Soup – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Smoky Lentil & Leek Soup

A deeply comforting, yet incredibly quick, one-bowl wonder delivering rich, savory flavor in under 30 minutes. Features earthy brown lentils, sweet sautéed leeks, and a crunchy topping of smoked almonds and cool Greek yogurt.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 309
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2½ tsp / 12.5 ml (0.4 fl oz) toasted sesame oil
  • 2½ tsp / 8 g (0.28 oz) whole cumin seeds
  • ⅓ cup (45 g / 1.59 oz) chopped medium carrot
  • ¼ cup (25 g / 0.88 oz) chopped celery rib
  • 1 medium leek, white and light green parts, trimmed and chopped
  • 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 oz) brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 Tbs. / 15 g (0.53 oz) minced garlic, about 3 cloves
  • ⅓ cup (45 g / 1.59 oz) smoked almonds, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a double batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days for easy lunches.
  • For a vegan version, simply swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free plain yogurt, a drizzle of tahini, or a dollop of cashew cream.
  • For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times before serving, leaving some lentils whole for texture.

Method
 

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the toasted sesame oil over low heat.
  2. Add the cumin seeds and toast for 1 minute until fragrant. Increase the heat to medium-high, stir in the carrot, celery, and leek, and sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. 2.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and rinsed lentils.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. 3.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. 4. Ladle the lentil soup into four bowls.
  7. Garnish each with a generous sprinkle of chopped smoked almonds and a cool dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
  8. Add ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the cumin seeds for an even deeper, smokier flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will also brighten everything up.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 18gFat: 10g

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