Article: Hearty Lentil Soup with Meatballs & Cream Sauce

Hearty Lentil Soup with Meatballs & Cream Sauce
The Best Lentil Soup with Meatballs
A warm, comforting bowl of lentil soup with meatballs is the perfect dish for chilly evenings. This recipe combines protein-rich lentils, tender meatballs, and a flavourful broth, finished with a creamy sauce for extra richness. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 250g ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Lentil Soup:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Form small meatballs and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper until softened.
- Add the diced potatoes, lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
- While the soup is simmering, lightly brown the meatballs in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the soup and let it cook for another 15 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with a drizzle of cream sauce and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Healthy Fats: 8g