Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe with a Wine Twist
Welcome to my lentil soup with wine recipe! As a sommelier, I believe that every dish should have the right wine pairing to enhance its flavors. Lentil soup is the perfect comfort food for any time of the day, and adding a touch of wine takes it to the next level. In this recipe, we will be using red wine to create a rich and flavorful broth that pairs perfectly with lentils.
Lentils are known for their high nutritional value, being an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron. They’re also easy to cook, making them perfect for soups and stews. This lentil soup recipe is not only delicious but also super easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
I’ll guide you through each step and provide some tips on how to achieve that perfect balance of flavors in your lentil soup. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear food enthusiasts, today I present to you a soup recipe that is not only nutritious and delicious but also boasts an exceptional flavor, the Lentil Soup with Wine recipe.
Lentils are one of my favorite ingredients as they are not only tasty but also packed with iron, fiber, and protein. This soup recipe combined with lentils creates a wholesome dish that will satiate your taste buds and nourish your body.
The aroma of fresh basil, thyme, and oregano blended with garlic, onion, celery, vegetables broth and tomatoes creates a Mediterranean flair that will leave you enchanted. The addition of red wine adds depth to the soup, giving it a tantalizing flavor that you won’t be able to resist.
This recipe is easy to make and requires only one pot which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. Furthermore, this Lentil Soup can serve as a perfect vegetarian meal for those who prefer plant-based options.
Finally, by serving this soup with a glass of medium-bodied red wine that has a touch of earthiness like the lentil soup pairs best will enhance the overall culinary experience. Believe me, this Lentil Soup with Wine recipe is one of the most flavorful alternative soup recipes out there!
Ingredient List
- Olive Oil
- Red Wine
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Thyme
- Fresh Oregano
- Garlic
- Onion
- Celery
- Vegetable Broth
- Water
- Tomatoes with Juice
- Tomato Sauce
- Lentils
- Lentil Soup Wine
- Butter
- Carrots
- 35oz can Italian Plum Tomatoes.
For this recipe, we recommend using Mediterranean lentils that hold their shape well or French green lentils, which cook more quickly than other varieties. The red wine lentil soup flavor is complemented by the canned tomatoes, which add both savory depth and a touch of sweetness to the dish. Additionally, a stick of unsalted butter can enhance the creamy texture and rich flavor of this hearty soup.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredient list and discussed why this soup is so great, let’s dive into how to make it.
Preparation
First, you’ll want to gather all the ingredients and make sure everything is prepped, chopped, and ready to go. This will help the cooking process run smoothly.
Cooking Steps
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add 2 cups of chopped onions, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 4 finely minced cloves of garlic.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and onions are translucent.
- Add in the red wine and cook for 5-7 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half.
- Add in the lentils, 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 -15 oz can of stewed tomatoes + juice, and 1 -15 oz can of tomato sauce.
- Bring to boil then reduce heat and let simmer covered for around an hour or until lentils are tender.
- Stir in one stick of unsalted butter at room temperature, a 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil leaves, two tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves, one tablespoon of fresh oregano leaves.
Blending
Option A: Blending Entire Soup
- Remove bay leaves from soup then puree mixture using a handheld immersion blender or transfer to a blender.
Option B: Blending Half of Soup
-
Remove bay leaves from soup then puree only one-half using a handheld immersion blender or transfer half to a blender.
-
Return pureed soup back into pot on the stove with the non-pureed soup (if applicable).
- Stir everything together until blended evenly.
- Serve hot!
This recipe makes enough soup for 6-8 servings.
Equipment Tips
- This soup requires a large soup pot, at least 8 quarts.
- If using a blender to puree soup, you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
Cooking Time
Total cooking time for this soup is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including preparation time.
Making homemade Lentil Soup with Wine might sound complicated but it’s actually easy to do. So why not give it try and experience the delicious flavors of Mediterranean lentil soup?
Substitutions and Variations
For a vegetarian version of this lentil soup, simply substitute the vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables to the mix, such as diced carrots and diced potatoes.
For those who prefer a heartier soup, you can experiment with different types of lentils. Green, yellow, and brown lentils are all great choices to use in this recipe. They also provide slightly different flavors and textures to the final dish.
If you want to try something different with your lentil soup, switch out the red wine for white wine. This will give your meal a lighter flavor profile that pairs well with French lentils or a Greek-style lentil soup.
Additionally, if you want to amp up the protein content of your soup or turn it into a meal of its own, try adding in some crumbled sausage or sliced mushrooms. This addition gives your lentil soup a meaty texture while simultaneously enhancing its umami flavor.
And finally, for those who prefer an easier preparation method, consider using a slow cooker. It makes the preparation process a breeze by allowing you to simply toss everything in and let it cook at its own pace throughout the day.
Serving and Pairing
Once your lentil soup is ready, it’s time to serve and pair it! Lentil soup is such an easy and comforting dish to enjoy anytime, so you’re sure to impress with this one.
When it comes to serving, I suggest ladling the hot lentil soup into some beautiful soup bowls. You can also garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
Now, let’s talk about pairing. The earthy flavors of lentils match perfectly with the subtle notes of red wine. A medium-bodied red wine would be a perfect match for this dish. The tannins help cleanse your palate after each spoonful of soup, which makes for quite a luxurious experience.
If you prefer white wine, a light and bright Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will work just fine. These white wines have a high acidity that cuts through the richness of the soup.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you can pair this lentil soup with a simple sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea.
No matter how you choose to pair your lentil soup recipe, it is sure to be delicious. Feel free to experiment with different wines and spices until you find your perfect combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This savory lentil soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for those busy weeknights. After preparing the dish, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat the soup, transfer it to a pot over low heat on your stovetop. Add some vegetable broth or water and stir frequently until heated through. Be careful not to bring it to a boil, as this can overcook the lentils and alter the taste.
Another great way to reheat this lentil soup is in the microwave. Simply place it in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring frequently until heated through.
If you want to prepare the soup even further in advance, try freezing it for later use. Let the soup cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label and date it before storing it in your freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, thaw it overnight in your fridge before reheating following either of the above methods.
With these simple make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, this delicious lentil soup recipe will help you have dinner on the table in less time than ever before.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your lentil soup with wine recipe turns out perfectly, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, use a good quality red wine for this recipe – it will truly make all the difference in the flavor of the soup.
When cooking the garlic and onions, be sure to not let them brown too much as it can give the soup a bitter taste. Just cook them until they are soft and translucent.
Using fresh herbs like basil, thyme and oregano will really enhance the overall taste of the soup so try not to substitute dried herbs unless you must.
It’s important to stir the soup occasionally while cooking so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If you find that your lentils are not cooking as quickly as they should be, you can add a bit more water or broth.
Finally, don’t shy away from adding some salt and pepper to taste – this will really bring out all of the flavors in your lentil soup with wine.
FAQ
As we conclude this recipe article, you may have some questions and concerns. Do not worry, we’ve got you covered in this FAQ section. Here, we will provide answers to some commonly asked questions that might help you prepare this lentil soup with wine recipe with ease. So, let’s dive in and clear up any confusion you may have!
What kind of wine goes with lentil soup?
When it comes to pairing lentil soup with wine, I suggest going for reds that have medium body, a hint of earthiness, and a balanced acidity like Cabernet Franc, Chianti, Beaujolais Villages or Syrah. These will complement the richness and depth of flavours in the soup. Alternatively, you may choose full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Vouvray, which can balance the weight of the lentil soup.
Do lentils need to be soaked before making soup?
It’s great to know that unlike beans, lentils don’t have to go through a soaking process prior to cooking (although it’s important to clean and rinse them). It’s worth noting that each variety of lentils may have varying cooking times. In particular, red lentils cook the quickest and will break down as they simmer, resulting in a velvety texture perfect for soups.
How to make lentil soup Jamie Oliver?
The necessary ingredients for this dish include sweet potatoes weighing 750 g, two red onions, cumin seeds of half a tablespoon, ground coriander of one teaspoon, four cloves of garlic, one fresh red chili, half a bunch of fresh coriander, and 125 g of red lentils.
How to jazz up canned lentil soup?
As a knowledgeable sommelier, I’ve come across a few ingredients that make a real difference in the dishes they’re used in. Italian seasoning, a combination of dried herbs, gives a delightful flavor to soups that feature tomatoes as their base or lentils. On the other hand, smoked paprika adds vibrancy, slight sweetness, and complexity through smokiness.
Is lentil soup the healthiest soup?
Wondering about the health benefits of lentil soup? Rest assured, it is indeed a nutritious choice. Packed with minerals, protein, and high in fiber which is beneficial for the digestive health, lentils are a fantastic source of vegetarian protein, accounting for 25% of the calories in lentils. Furthermore, they are low in fat, making them an excellent addition to your diet.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, lentil soup with wine is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed alone or as part of a larger meal. Its rich flavors and heartiness make it an excellent choice for those who love to cook and indulge in tasty dishes.
The recipe I have provided is a tried-and-true method that incorporates traditional Mediterranean flavors, including garlic, olive oil, and herbs like thyme and oregano. This recipe is easy to make and can be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences.
Moreover, I would highly recommend this dish with a glass of medium-bodied red wine that has earthy undertones. The wine not only enhances the flavors of the soup but also adds a layer of complexity that makes for an enjoyable dining experience.
Whether you are looking to impress guests or enjoy a cozy night in with comfort food, I am convinced this lentil soup with wine recipe will never disappoint. So go ahead and try it out; your taste buds will thank you!
Lentil Soup with Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
- 4 -6 cups vegetable broth or 4 -6 cups water
- 3 stalks celery, plus some celery leaves,chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive in pot, then add onion and saute on medium heat until they are golden.
- Add the garlic and saute just until the garlic is softened.
- Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil, then simmer about 45 minutes or until the lentils are soft.
- If desired, take some of the soup and puree it, then add it back to the rest of the soup for a richer texture.