Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (optional for vegetarian version)
- Secret Ingredient: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked lentils and shredded chicken if using. Season with salt, pepper, and your secret spice for that Final Five magic.
- Allow the soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh herbs.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use high-quality smoked paprika or spices from spice specialists like Spice Jungle.
- To make this soup vegan, omit the chicken or substitute with extra vegetables or plant-based protein options like tofu.
- Stir in a bit of coconut milk or lemon juice to enhance richness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Galactic/Science Fiction
- Diet: Vegetarian or optionally Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 200 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
