French Lentil and Carrot Soup

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Why Make This Recipe

French Lentil and Carrot Soup is a delightful dish that not only warms your soul but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients. This recipe highlights the humble lentil, a superfood packed with protein and fiber, paired with sweet, earthy carrots for a burst of natural flavor. Moreover, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a meal prep option for those busy weekdays. The rotisserie chicken adds heartiness, making it satisfying while the cream brings a luscious finish. If you’re looking for comfort food that is both healthy and easy to make, this soup is the answer.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a light lunch, a starter before a main course, or a complete dinner when served with crusty bread. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for a group, this soup is suitable for all occasions. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this dish accessible for everyone, regardless of culinary expertise. Plus, the warm aromas that fill your kitchen while it cooks will make it hard not to fall in love with this dish.

How to Make French Lentil and Carrot Soup

To get started on this delightful French Lentil and Carrot Soup, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and follow a few straightforward steps. Making soup can feel quite daunting, but this recipe simplifies everything, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal stress.

Ingredients:

3 cups Carrots
1 cup Dried Green Lentils
1 medium Shallot
1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
4 cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth
2 cups Rotisserie Chicken
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Directions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the carrots into small cubes. This will help them cook evenly. Next, finely dice the shallot. If you decide to use rotisserie chicken, take a moment to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix into the soup later on.
Sauté the Shallots: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once heated, toss in the diced shallots. Sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from browning too much.
Add the Carrots: Next, add the chopped carrots to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes. This helps to build the flavors before you add the lentils and broth.
Mix in the Lentils and Spices: Stir in the dried green lentils along with the Herbes de Provence, pepper, and kosher salt. Herbes de Provence is a lovely blend of dried herbs that typically includes thyme, basil, and lavender. This will infuse the soup with wonderful aromatic flavors.
Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring the mixture to combine everything well. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
Bring to a Boil: Raise the heat until the soup begins to boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer. This should take about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Incorporate the Chicken: Once the lentils are cooked, add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. This gives the chicken a chance to warm up and absorb some of the soup’s flavors.
Add Cream for Richness: Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream. Allow it to heat for another 2-3 minutes. This step makes the soup creamy and rich; it wonderfully complements the lentils and carrots.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, all it needs is a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper. Once everything tastes just right, you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve French Lentil and Carrot Soup

Serving French Lentil and Carrot Soup can be just as fun as making it. This soup is delicious on its own, but here are some tips on how to make it even more enjoyable:

Serving Temperature: Always serve the soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy its warmth, especially on chilly days.
Garnishes: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for an added touch of freshness. A sprinkle of croutons can also provide a nice crunch against the creamy soup.
Add Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread or a baguette. This makes a delightful meal and is perfect for dipping.
Meal Prep: If you’re making this soup to enjoy throughout the week, load it into portioned containers. Reheat each serving on the stove or microwave for an easy lunch or dinner option.

How to Store French Lentil and Carrot Soup

Proper storage will help you keep your French Lentil and Carrot Soup fresh and tasty. Here’s what you need to know:

Cool Before Storing: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to containers. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery during storage.
Use Airtight Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers. This helps preserve the flavors and prevent the soup from absorbing any odors in the fridge.
Refrigerate: The soup can be kept in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to label the containers with the date you made the soup to keep track of freshness.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the soup, do so in individual serving containers. Leave some space at the top of the container because the soup will expand when frozen. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for convenience. Just stir well to ensure even heating.

Tips to Make French Lentil and Carrot Soup

Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavors of your soup will depend on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh, organic carrots, and high-quality chicken broth for the best outcome.
Adjust the Cream: If you want a lighter version, you can omit the heavy whipping cream or use half-and-half instead. This will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories.
Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. This tiny addition can elevate the flavor profile of the soup.
Lentil Variations: While green lentils are used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types such as brown or black lentils. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to bulk up the soup with additional vegetables like spinach or kale. Just add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from overcooking.
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth, skip the rotisserie chicken, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream.

Variation of French Lentil and Carrot Soup

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing for plenty of variations. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a kick, add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle paste while sautéing the shallots. This gives a smoky and spicy dimension to the soup.
Herb Alternatives: Instead of Herbes de Provence, try using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Each will lend its own unique flavor to the soup.
Citrusy Twist: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice right before serving. The acidity will brighten the flavors and give a refreshing finish to the soup.
Bean Addition: You can incorporate a can of white beans for added protein and creaminess. Be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the soup.
Different Proteins: If you do not have rotisserie chicken, you can use shredded turkey or omit the meat altogether if you prefer a vegetarian soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?
Yes, you can use red lentils, but keep in mind that they cook faster and may create a smoother texture in the soup. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can sauté the shallots and carrots in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender.

3. How can I thicken my soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can puree a portion of it using an immersion blender or a standard blender after it’s cooled slightly. Alternatively, you can add additional cooked lentils or a bit of flour mixed with water to the pot.

4. Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to store it in airtight containers and leave room for expansion. Reheat from frozen straight on the stovetop for the best results.

5. What other side dishes would go well with this soup?
This soup pairs nicely with a simple green salad, a slice of crusty baguette, or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

By following these steps, tips, and variations, you’ll be set to create a delicious pot of French Lentil and Carrot Soup. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table!