Cajun lentil soup

This recipe is a simple, wholesome and spicy soup to prepare in big batches and freeze for busy weeknights. Serve with a slice of whole grain bread.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
40 min
Servings
4
Prep time
20 min
Cook time
40 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

  • 1 L (4 cups) lower sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 L (4 cups) water
  • 500 mL (2 cups) uncooked dried green or red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 20 mL (1 ½ tbsp) Cajun seasoning
  • 250 mL (1 cup) yellow turnip, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 mL (½ tsp) Worcestershire sauce
  • 5 mL (1 tsp) fresh parsley, minced

Directions

  1. In a large pot, combine vegetable broth, water, and lentils and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and stir in Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 15 minutes or until soft.
  2. Add yellow turnip, carrots, celery and onion and simmer for 20 more minutes. Add water if soup becomes too thick.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce and parsley when ready to serve.

Tips

  • Make lower sodium Cajun seasoning by mixing 2 mL (½ tsp) each of cayenne, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper with 1 mL (¼ tsp) each of onion powder and ground cumin. Add salt to taste.
  • If you’re pressed on time, use canned instead of dry lentils. Drain and rinse them before adding at step 1.
  • Try making this recipe with different legumes. Soak chickpeas or black beans overnight before cooking on medium heat for 30 minutes at step 1.
  • Store leftover soup for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat.