Easy Recipes Thrifty Cooking: Hearty Lentil Soup

My Go-To Thrifty Lentil Soup: Delicious, Nutritious, and Easy on the Wallet

Let me share with you my absolute favorite recipe for thrifty cooking – my hearty lentil soup! This dish has been a lifesaver for my budget countless times, and it’s so delicious that my family never feels like we’re skimping. It’s packed with nutrients, incredibly filling, and costs just pennies per serving. Here’s how I whip up this wallet-friendly wonder!

My Budget-Friendly Ingredients

• 1 cup dry lentils (I usually use brown, but any variety works)
• 1 large onion, diced (the cheaper the better!)
• 2 carrots, diced (I often buy the loose ones, they’re cheaper)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (I use the leaves too for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (a little goes a long way)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (I stock up when they’re on sale)
• 6 cups water or vegetable broth (I save veggie scraps to make my own broth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (dried herbs are more economical than fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you have on hand)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon vinegar (adds brightness at the end)

My Easy, Money-Saving Soup Process

1. First, I heat the oil in my largest pot over medium heat. Using a big pot means leftovers, which saves me time and money later in the week.
2. I add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook them until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. This is what my grandmother called the ‘holy trinity’ of soup bases – it’s cheap and adds so much flavor!
3. Next, I toss in the garlic and cook for another minute. The aroma at this point is mouthwatering!
4. I add the lentils, diced tomatoes (juice and all), water or broth, bay leaf, and thyme. I bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
5. Here’s where patience saves money – I let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
6. Once the lentils are soft, I taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If I’m using it, I stir in the vinegar at this point.
7. That’s it! My thrifty, delicious lentil soup is ready to serve.

Why I Love This Thrifty Lentil Soup

This soup has become my go-to for budget-friendly meals for so many reasons:

• It’s incredibly cheap to make – lentils are one of the most affordable protein sources out there.
• It’s filling and nutritious, providing protein, fiber, and lots of vitamins.
• It’s versatile – I can add whatever vegetables I have on hand or that are on sale.
• It makes a big batch, perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• It’s a great base recipe that I can customize based on what I have or what’s affordable at the time.

My Money-Saving Tips and Variations

Here’s how I stretch my dollar even further with this soup:

• I buy lentils and other dry goods in bulk when they’re on sale.
• I use frozen vegetables when fresh ones are expensive – they’re just as nutritious and often cheaper.
• Sometimes I add a diced potato or sweet potato for extra bulk and nutrition.
• Leftover ham or bacon adds great flavor – I freeze small amounts just for soups like this.
• I often serve it with homemade bread or crackers made from scratch – much cheaper than store-bought!

My Favorite Ways to Serve

This soup is a meal in itself, but here are some budget-friendly ways I like to serve it:

• With a dollop of plain yogurt (cheaper than sour cream and adds protein)
• Sprinkled with any herbs growing in my windowsill
• With a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness
• Alongside homemade cornbread – another cheap and filling side

This thrifty lentil soup has been my secret weapon for eating well on a budget. It’s proof that delicious, nutritious meals don’t have to break the bank. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Happy budget cooking!