This bright and tasty soup mixes lemon, garlic, rice, and lentils for a warm hug in a bowl. It’s healthy, hearty, and so easy to make!
You’ll love how this soup makes your kitchen smell incredible. I like to add a sprinkle of herbs for a pop of flavor—who knew soup could be so cheerful? 🍋
Making this soup is a breeze! Just simmer everything together, and soon you’ll have a delicious, filling meal that’s perfect for any day. Enjoy it with some crusty bread!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils are perfect here since they hold their shape well in soup. If you’d like a quicker option, red lentils cook faster but will become mushy.
Brown Rice: I like using brown rice for added nutrients and a nutty flavor. However, you can substitute it with white rice or quinoa for a lighter texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Onion: Diced onions bring sweetness to the dish. If you’re in a rush, shallots or leeks can also work well. Even onion powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh is best!
Spinach or Kale: I prefer spinach for its tenderness, but kale adds a nice bite. You can switch them for Swiss chard or other leafy greens if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re out, garlic powder could substitute, but use a smaller amount to avoid overpowering the soup.
How Do I Properly Rinse Lentils and Rice?
Rinsing is crucial as it removes impurities and excess starch, which can make your soup cloudy. Here’s how to do it:
- Place lentils and rice in a fine mesh strainer.
- Rinse under cold water while gently stirring with your hands.
- Keep rinsing until the water runs clear, which takes about a minute.
This technique helps achieve a clean and flavorful soup base, ensuring a delightful texture.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Getting the sauté just right can enhance the soup’s flavor. Follow these steps:
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat—careful not to let it smoke.
- Add diced onions, cooking until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and spices (like cumin and turmeric), and stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely as garlic can burn quickly!
This way, you’ll layer flavors beautifully, making your soup even tastier.
How Can I Garnish My Soup for Presentation?
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lemon slices can really elevate your bowl. Here’s how I like to present it:
- Top each serving with a handful of cilantro.
- Add a few slices of lemon on the side for that extra zing.
- If you’re serving bread, place it alongside the bowl for a nice touch.
These quick garnishes add color and freshness, making your dish inviting!
How to Make Lifting Lemon-Garlic Rice & Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Bread (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time chopping and sautéing, and then let it simmer until everything is nice and tender. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lentils and Rice:
Start by rinsing the lentils and brown rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. Do this until the water runs clear to remove any dust or impurities. This step will ensure your soup is clean and tasty!
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This adds a lovely flavor base to your soup!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic, cumin, and turmeric to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell those delicious aromas. It’s hard not to get excited at this point!
4. Combine with Broth and Lentils:
Pour in the vegetable broth and raise the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed lentils and brown rice. Reducing the heat, let it simmer gently. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes until the lentils and rice are tender.
5. Add Greens and Season:
After cooking, gently stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped spinach or kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste to get just the right flavor. Let this simmer for another 5 minutes; you’ll start smelling the fresh lemony goodness!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your soup is ready! Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon slices on top. If you like, add some slices of bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy your warm and uplifting lemon-garlic rice and lentil soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils for This Soup?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils work best in this recipe, you can also use red lentils. Just be aware that red lentils cook faster and may become mushy, so reduce the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
This soup is already vegan! Just ensure that your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly if you’re using store-bought. Homemade broth is a fantastic option too!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
You can definitely make this soup ahead of time! Prepare it as directed and let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water if it thickens too much.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge overnight, or reheat directly from frozen on low heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed.
