If you love hearty soups, you’ll want to try Alton Brown’s lentil soup recipe…I’m glad I did!
This soup combines simplicity with rich, wholesome flavors that brings a superb home-cooked meal to your table.
Start with a large Dutch oven and add your olive oil, chopped onions, carrots, and celery.
Cooking the vegetables until the onions are translucent will create a flavorful base, so don’t rush this step.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how the earthy taste of lentils shines through with minimal effort.
How to Make Alton Brown Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 3 Medium Carrots (chopped)
- 1 large Celery Stalk (chopped)
- 3 tsp Salt
- 1 lb Lentils
- 2 cans Tomatoes (32 oz.)
- 2 quarts Vegetable Broth
- 1 tsp Cumin (ground)
- 1 tsp Coriander (ground)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2:
Add diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and salt to the hot oil. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
Step 3:
Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Stir everything well.
Step 4:
Raise the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 5:
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 35 to 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing Lentils:
Pick through your lentils before cooking to ensure any small stones or debris are removed.
Enhancing Flavor:
For a deeper flavor, try adding a bay leaf when simmering, and remove it before serving.
Adjusting Spice:
You can adjust the amount of cumin and coriander to your liking if you prefer a spicier or milder taste.
Vegetable Options:
Feel free to substitute vegetables based on what you have available. Bell peppers could be a fantastic addition.
Thickening the Soup:
If you like it thicker, let the soup cook uncovered for an extra 10 to 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
What to Serve with Alton Brown’s Lentil Soup
Crusty Bread
You can’t go wrong by pairing a hearty bowl of lentil soup with some fresh, crusty bread.
The bread’s delicious contrast in textures complements the soup’s rich, warming flavors perfectly.
A good sourdough is always a solid choice, but any artisan loaf will work beautifully here.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing for just about any soup, including lentil.
The gooey cheese and the crispy bread add a savory touch that melts in your mouth.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a fun twist on this comforting side.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables can add a vibrant, earthy note alongside your lentil soup.
Sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots work together to create a medley that is both colorful and nutritious.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs can elevate their flavors even further.
Sautéed Spinach
Lightly sautéed spinach is an excellent match for this dish and can be prepared in a flash.
This simple side is made with a little garlic and olive oil to enhance its natural sweetness.
It brings a fresh, green element that adds a nice contrast to the heartiness of the soup.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers provide a surprising yet satisfying accompaniment.
They can be filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices for a flavorful twist.
The peppers offer a sweet and slightly crunchy texture that pairs nicely with lentils.
Variations and Substitutions
Adding Protein
You can elevate the heartiness of Alton Brown’s Lentil Soup by adding cooked meats like kielbasa, sausage, or diced ham.
These additions create a richer soup that satisfies even the most robust appetites!
Vegetarian Alternatives
For a vegetarian twist, consider incorporating more vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
These add layers of flavor and a touch of extra nutrition without altering the soup’s base flavors.
Tomato Variations
Instead of fresh tomatoes, you might use canned diced tomatoes for convenience and a consistent texture year-round.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, choose low-sodium options.
Spice it Up
Adding spices like cumin or coriander can introduce an exotic flair to this classic soup.
Experimenting with different herbs can change up the taste profile for fun!
Adjusting Consistency
To make the soup creamier, try blending a portion of the cooked lentils into a smooth puree before combining it back with the rest.
This technique gives you a silky texture that is both comforting and filling.
How to Store Leftover Lentil Soup
Use Airtight Containers
When you’re ready to store leftover lentil soup, use airtight containers to keep it fresh.
This prevents unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge!
You’ll want to cool the soup completely before sealing the container.
Refrigerate Promptly
You should refrigerate the lentil soup as soon as possible to maintain its flavor and quality.
The soup can safely stay in the refrigerator for about five days.
Label the container with the date, so you know exactly when you stored it.
Freezing Lentil Soup
If you have a large batch, freezing is a great option to extend its shelf life.
Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion.
Your soup can last up to three months in the freezer, perfect for those busy weeks!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Lentils
If you’ve ever ended up with mushy lentils in your soup, it’s likely because they were overcooked.
You want the lentils to have a slight bite, so keep a close eye on cooking times.
The lentils should be tender yet firm to give your soup that perfect texture.
Skipping the Sauté Step
When you skip sautéing onions, carrots, and celery, you miss out on depth in your soup’s flavor.
These ingredients are the foundation of the dish, releasing natural sugars when sautéed.
Make sure they become translucent and soft before adding anything else to your pot.
Neglecting to Season
One of the worst mistakes you might make is not seasoning the soup properly as it cooks.
You want to layer the flavors by adding salt at different stages to enhance the taste.
Don’t wait until the end—seasoning along the way is key to balanced and rich flavors!
Alton Brown Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion diced
- 3 Medium Carrots chopped
- 1 large Celery Stalk chopped
- 3 tsp Salt
- 1 lb Lentils
- 2 cans Tomatoes 32 oz.
- 2 quarts Vegetable Broth
- 1 tsp Cumin ground
- 1 tsp Coriander ground
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, chopped carrots, celery, and salt to the hot oil. Cook them for 6 to 7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Stir everything well.
- Raise the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 35 to 45 minutes until the lentils are tender.