Description
This cozy soup combines deeply caramelized onions with earthy lentils for a warming, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to help caramelize)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. (Add sugar if desired during the last 10 minutes.)
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of vegetable. This soup thickens as it sits; thin with additional broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 12g