Boost The Fiber In Your Favorite Soups By 18 Grams When You Add One Cup Of This Nutty Ingredient

If you've ever wished you could boost fiber in your soup with a single ingredient, here's a simple tip: stir a cup of lentils into the pot, and you'll add about 18 grams of fiber to your meal. You'll also be making the soup heartier and more satisfying. Aside from the added fiber, lentils are also great flavor vessels. With their mild, earthy flavor, lentils soak up the broth and seasonings they're swimming in. Plus, their nutty flavor adds depth without overpowering the other flavors in your soup.

Unlike dried beans, dried lentils don't require you to soak them overnight. Do note that there are different types of lentils, and each has its own best use. For example, if you want lentils that hold their shape in the soup, use brown and green lentils. Red and split lentils tend to soften and break down when you boil them, thickening the soup liquid. Thus, if you like thick and smooth soups without blending, choose red or split lentils.

Dried lentils aren't just a good fiber-boosting addition to any soup — they're also shelf-stable. Store a bag in your pantry, and you can add lentils to your soups all year long. If you're wondering what soups work best with lentils, start with vegetable-forward variety. Brown or green lentils are a natural fit in minestrone or classic vegetable soup, adding bite to the light broth and complementing the tenderness of the cooked veggies. A good recipe to try is Tasting Table's roasted veggie and tomato lentil soup recipe. 

For those who prefer thick, creamy soups, like those you find in Indian cooking, reach for red or split lentils. As mentioned, these lentils break down and become soft in soup. Thus, they're ideal for puréed and blended soups, such as a spiced, dal-style soup or even a creamy tomato or butternut squash bisque. Red lentils also work beautifully with lemon. Citrusy brightness balances red lentils' nuttiness perfectly. Check out Tasting Table's delicious and easy red lentil soup with lemon recipe and see for yourself.