Imagine this: you’re cuddled up with a heartwarming bowl of homemade lentil soup, every spoonful embraced with the tender crunch of kale and the light nuttiness of almonds. This isn’t your average lentil soup; it’s lentil soup taken to the next level, a canvas painted with an artful array of textures and flavors that nourishes your body with every bite. That’s the magic of our Lentil Soup with Kale and Almonds. Infused with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and a sprinkle of coziness, this dish showcases how hearty comfort food can also be spectacularly healthy.
Ingredients List
– 1 cup of dry lentils, rinsed
– 1 bunch of fresh kale, destemmed and chopped
– 1/2 cup of raw almonds, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 4 cups of vegetable broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.
3. Add lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
4. While the lentils cook, toast the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set them aside to cool.
5. Once the lentils are soft, add in the chopped kale. Stir the soup until the kale is wilted, usually around 3-5 minutes.
6. Season the soup with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Garnish the soup with the toasted almonds before serving.
Cooking Time & Servings
This hearty and wholesome Lentil Soup with Kale and Almonds takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. This recipe yields 4 generous servings.
Nutritional Information
A single bowl of this Lightning Lentil Soup with Kale and Almonds offers:
– Calories: 350 kcal
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 47g
– Protein: 17g
The fiber-rich lentils, vitamin-packed kale, and protein-filled almonds make this soup a nutritional powerhouse. Plus, almonds are a high source of CoQ10, an antioxidant vital for cell energy production.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic with a couple of chopped carrots and celery sticks. If you prefer your soup creamier, simply use an immersion blender to puree some of it. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Ending on a savory note, this recipe highlights the importance of…
Rich in nutrients and full of flavor, this Lentil Soup with Kale and Almonds not only satisfies your cravings but also supports your wellbeing. So, why not give it a try? Share your culinary creations on social media and tag us, we’d love to see your soup bowls in action. Feel free to drop any questions or comments our way!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this soup be made ahead?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping and tastes just as delicious when reheated.
2. What if I can’t find fresh kale?
Spinach or chard works excellently as a substitute for kale.
3. Can I use canned lentils instead?
Absolutely. Just ensure to drain and rinse the lentils before using.
4. What can I pair with this soup?
A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad complements this soup wonderfully.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
You bet! Just avoid adding the kale when freezing, as it may become mushy when defrosted. Add kale upon reheating.
Tuck into this bowl of goodness knowing that you’re doing your tastebuds and your heart a world of good. With this Lentil Soup with Kale and Almonds, being heart-healthy never tasted so yummy!
