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Irish Lentil Soup Recipe Easy Hearty Pub-Style Meal Under 3 Dollars

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A cozy, hearty Irish lentil soup that is quick, budget-friendly, and full of comforting pub-style flavors with a subtle smoky twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups (1 liter) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and vegetables soften.
  3. Add minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
  4. Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
  5. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat, about 5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  7. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add water or broth if soup is too thick.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty or Irish soda bread.

Notes

Sauté vegetables slowly to bring out sweetness. Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent lentils from sticking. Use fresh herbs if possible. Adjust thickness by adding broth or water. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can be made vegan by using vegetable broth and skipping any dairy toppings. For a smoky meat version, add diced smoked bacon or ham during sauté step.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish lentil soup, hearty soup, pub-style soup, lentil recipe, budget-friendly meal, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/irish-lentil-soup-recipe-easy-hearty-pub-style-meal-under-3-dollars/