Healthy & Special Diets > Recipes for Specific Health Conditions > Heart-Healthy Recipes > Cholesterol-Lowering Lunch Recipes

Hearty Lentil Soup

A comforting and nutritious lentil soup, packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for a cholesterol-lowering lunch.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Carrot
  • 2 Celery Stalks
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

Preparing the Ingredients

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Dice the carrot, celery stalks, and onion. Mince the garlic.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Adding the Remaining Ingredients

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Simmering the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Finishing and Serving

Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 90kcal, Protein: 6g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 300mg, Carbohydrates: 14g, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 2g. Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

Lentils are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL cholesterol levels. This soup is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Using vegetable broth keeps the sodium content lower than using chicken or beef broth. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

← Heart-Healthy Salmon with Roasted Vegetables and Quinoa High-Fiber Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal →

FAQ

  • Can I freeze this lentil soup?

    Yes, lentil soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

    Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.