08/01/2025
Hearty Lentil Soup for Gut Health 🍲
Benefits:
🌱 High in Fiber: Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and regularity.
🛡️ Immunity Boost: Packed with iron, zinc, and B vitamins, this soup supports your body's natural defenses.
❤️ Heart Healthy: Lentils help manage cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to a healthy heart.
Ingredients:
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed lentils and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips:
Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added flavor.
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon.