Irish Lentil Soup Recipe
Nothing warms the soul quite like our hearty bowl of Irish Lentil Soup Recipe. This comforting dish blends red lentils with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a symphony of flavours that's perfect for any time of year. Whether you're looking for a nutritious meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch to power through your day, this soup has got you covered.
History of Irish Lentil Soup
Did you know that lentils have been cherished in Irish cuisine for centuries? Known for their affordability and nutritional punch, lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. Red lentils, in particular, are a favourite due to their quick cooking time and natural creaminess, which allows them to thicken soups and stews beautifully without the need for dairy. This makes them an ideal ingredient for creating hearty, wholesome dishes that are both satisfying and healthy.
Serving Suggestions for Irish Lentil Soup Recipe
This Irish Lentil Soup is wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your tastes:
- Bread Pairings: Enjoy it with a side of wholewheat buttermilk scones or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Garnishes: Top with a sprinkle of fresh coriander, a dollop of Greek yoghurt, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added layer of flavour.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storing Instructions for Irish Lentil Soup
To keep your lentil soup fresh and flavourful, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the soup in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Instructions for Irish Lentil Soup
Reheating your Irish Lentil Soup is simple and easy:
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a portion of soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
We hope this Irish Lentil Soup brings a touch of comfort and warmth to your table. We'd love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delightful recipes and culinary inspiration.
How to Make Irish Lentil Soup Recipe
This comforting Irish Lentil Soup Recipe brings together red lentils, a variety of fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a delicious and hearty dish. Perfect for any time of year, it's both nourishing and easy to make, offering a taste of traditional Irish cooking that will warm you from the inside out.
- 200 g split red lentils
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cm fresh ginger root (minced)
- 2 carrots (grated)
- 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tins chopped tomatoes (400 g each)
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Handful fresh coriander (chopped)
- Rinse Lentils
Rinse the red lentils in a sieve under cold running water for a few minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add Carrots and Celery
Add the grated carrots and chopped celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Spices
Stir in the ground cumin and chili flakes. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients
Add the rinsed lentils, chopped tomatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a Boil
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove Bay Leaf
Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
- Blend Soup
For a creamy texture, blend half of the soup in a food processor until smooth and return it to the pot. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
- Season and Garnish
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped coriander. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Hot
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh coriander if desired. Enjoy with a side of wholewheat buttermilk scones or crusty bread.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- Calories from Fat 72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 1g5%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 750mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 10g20%
- Vitamin A 5300 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 4 mg
- Vitamin E 1.5 IU
- Vitamin K 50 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce potential bitterness.
- For a spicier soup, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute fresh coriander with parsley if you prefer a milder flavour.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together.
- For a creamier texture, blend more of the soup or add a splash of coconut milk before serving.
Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.
