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French Lentil Soup

Creamy French Lentil Soup for Cozy Nights at Home

Enjoy this Creamy French Lentil Soup, a comforting, vegan dish filled with earthy lentils and vibrant vegetables, perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cashew Cream
  • 1 cup Raw Cashews Substitution: Use sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
  • 1 cup Water
For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil Substitution: Use vegetable broth to keep it oil-free.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced or thinly sliced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium Carrots Diced.
  • 2 medium Celery Stalks Diced.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Use canned for convenience.
  • 2 cups Swiss Chard or Kale Stemmed and chopped.
For Flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar Adjust to taste.
For the Broth
  • 1 cup French Green Lentils Rinse before using.
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Veggie Broth

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Large Dutch Oven or Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Lentil Soup
  1. Soak the cashews in water for 1-2 hours to soften them.
  2. After soaking, drain the cashews and blend with 1 cup of water until smooth.
  3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 4-6 minutes.
  4. Stir in diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add cumin, thyme, and turmeric, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and veggie broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender.
  8. Stir in chopped greens, season with salt, pepper, and white wine vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes until greens are wilted.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

Soak cashews well for a smooth cream. Check lentil freshness to avoid mushiness. Control seasoning gradually to enhance flavors.