New Year's Fortune Dish, a hearty and flavorful lentil soup that represents wealth and abundance, is a great way to start the new year. This hearty dish combines tender lentils, colorful vegetables, and savory spices like smoked paprika and thyme, and simmers in a flavorful broth. Each dish is enhanced with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon, while a touch of balsamic vinegar adds depth.
This soup is the ideal way to gather with loved ones and toast a lucky and delicious start to the year, because it's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
New Year’s Fortune Bowl
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Calories
250
Author:
Angie M.
New Year's Fortune Dish, a hearty and flavorful lentil soup that represents wealth and abundance, is a great way to start the new year. This hearty dish combines tender lentils, colorful vegetables, and savory spices like smoked paprika and thyme, and simmers in a flavorful broth. Each dish is enhanced with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon, while a touch of balsamic vinegar adds depth.
This soup is the ideal way to gather with loved ones and toast a lucky and delicious start to the year, because it's easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup dried lentils (brown or green), rinsed and drained
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices
Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and the bay leaf. Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
Incorporate Lentils and Tomatoes
Add the rinsed lentils and canned tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir everything together.
Add Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season and Enhance
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar (if using) for a tangy depth of flavor. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of parsley, olive oil drizzle, Parmesan, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.