There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup, isn’t there? I mean, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a busy day, healthy high protein soups come to the rescue every time! This particular recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The high protein content from lentils means you’re getting a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of day—lunch, dinner, or even a cozy snack. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a great choice for those days when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine the aroma filling your home as it simmers on the stove—ah, pure bliss! So, grab your apron and let’s dive into making this delightful, nutritious soup that’ll leave you feeling warm and satisfied.
Ingredients for Healthy High Protein Soups
- 1 cup lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare Healthy High Protein Soups
- First, let’s get our pot ready! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook these lovely veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. You’ll want to enjoy that wonderful smell!
- Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show—add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer). Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin for that extra flavor kick!
- Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This is where the flavors really meld together, so let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Give it a stir every now and then to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Trust me, the smell will be irresistible!
- After 30 minutes, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out, so start with a little!
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender right in the pot. Just be careful—hot soup can splatter! If you like it chunky, simply ladle it into bowls as is.
And there you have it! A comforting, nutritious soup that’s not only high in protein but also easy to make. Perfect for any meal, and I promise, it’ll warm you right up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Nutritious ingredients that support a healthy diet.
- High protein content from lentils to keep you full and satisfied.
- Comforting flavors that warm the soul.
- Versatile—enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a cozy snack.
- Simple steps make it easy, even for beginner cooks.
- Perfect for meal prep; it stores well and reheats beautifully.
Tips for Success
To make your healthy high protein soup truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing of your vegetables. Letting them soften and caramelize just a bit will enhance the flavor of your soup, making it rich and delicious. If you have fresh garlic on hand, I highly recommend using it instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant taste—just crush and sauté it along with your onions.
Also, remember to taste your soup as it simmers. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning—add a pinch more salt or even a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick! And if you’re blending the soup, be cautious; let it cool slightly so it doesn’t splatter everywhere. An immersion blender makes this easier, but if you’re using a traditional blender, blend in small batches and cover the lid with a towel to prevent any spills.
Lastly, feel free to experiment! Adding different herbs like thyme or parsley at the end can brighten up the flavors beautifully. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Healthy High Protein Soups
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this healthy high protein soup! You can easily add different vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. If lentils aren’t your thing, try using canned beans like chickpeas or black beans instead—they’ll give you that protein boost too!
For a twist on flavor, add in spices such as smoked paprika, curry powder, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Each variation brings its own charm, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s take a peek at the nutritional goodness packed in this comforting healthy high protein soup! Each serving (about 1 cup) typically contains:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This soup truly offers a wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your healthy high protein soup is simple and keeps it delicious for days! Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to save it for longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze! You can warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems a bit thick, adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the perfect consistency. Enjoy your cozy bowl again!
FAQ About Healthy High Protein Soups
Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This healthy high protein soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day or two ahead, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it when you’re ready.
Can I use dried beans instead of lentils? Yes, you can substitute dried beans for lentils, but keep in mind that dried beans require longer cooking times. Make sure to soak them overnight and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your vegetable or chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
How can I add more flavor? If you’d like to enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro toward the end of cooking, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten it up.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment—just remember to allow some space at the top of the container!
Can I add more vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
Print
Warm Your Soul with 7 Healthy High Protein Soups Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and nutritious high-protein soup perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend if desired for a smoother texture, or enjoy chunky.
Notes
- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for more flavor.
- Add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
- Use canned beans instead of lentils if preferred.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy high protein soups, nutritious soup, easy soup recipe