Savory Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Rice

This Savory Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Rice is a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with lentils and seasonal vegetables, it's both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

• Green lentils - 100 grams
• Brown rice - 50 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Celery - 1 stalk, diced
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable broth - 500 milliliters
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Spinach - 50 grams, fresh
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils and brown rice under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Add the rinsed lentils and brown rice to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and rice are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, supporting overall health.

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