What to Serve with Lentil Soup – 15 Tasty Side Dishes To Try
Lentil soup is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed any time of year. It’s perfect for a cold winter day or a summer picnic. There are endless possibilities when it comes to what to serve with lentil soup. However, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 of our favorite side dishes.
Each one is delicious and easy to prepare. So, whether you’re looking for something simple or something a little more complex, we have you covered! Keep reading for recipes and tips on how to make these side dishes perfect for your lentil soup meal.
Side Dishes For Lentil Soup:
- Garlic Bread
- Naan Bread
- Green Beans & Bacon
- Cucumber Salad
- Mushroom Pilaf
- Cilantro Rice
- Spicy Grilled Eggplant
- Steamed Vegetables
- Meat Skewers
- Jalapeno Cornbread Muffin
- Veggie Quiche
- Dinner Rolls
- Green Salad
- Moroccan Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
Garlic Bread
This classic side dish is the perfect accompaniment to lentil soup. It’s simple to make and can be served with a variety of soups.
To prepare garlic bread, start by slicing a loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread butter or margarine on each half, then sprinkle with garlic powder.
You can also add other herbs, such as oregano or basil. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
In addition, garlic bread is a great way to absorb the soup’s flavors.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is a type of leavened flatbread that originates from India. This soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy bread pairs well with lentil soup.
You can buy naan bread at most grocery stores or make it yourself. To make naan bread, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, yogurt, oil, and water.
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the wet ingredients and knead them into a dough. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes before shaping it into balls.
Roll the dough balls out into thin rounds and cook them on a preheated skillet for about two minutes per side.
Green Beans & Bacon
Green beans and bacon are a great side dish for lentil soup. The ingredients go well together and the flavors complement each other.
The green beans add color and nutrition to the soup, and the bacon adds flavor and texture. The dish is also easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
To prepare this dish, start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once it is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to cool.
Next, add the green beans to the same skillet and cook them until they are tender. Once they are done, add the bacon back into the pan and stir everything together.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad is a refreshing and light side dish that goes well with lentil soup. The cucumbers add crunch and the vinegar gives the salad a little zing.
To make a cucumber salad, start by peeling and slicing the cucumbers. Add them to a bowl with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together and let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Mushroom Pilaf
This is a tasty and easy side dish that can be made in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something quick and simple.
To make mushroom pilaf, start by sautéing mushrooms and onions in a skillet over medium heat. Once they are cooked, add them to a bowl with cooked rice.
Mushroom pilaf goes well with lentil soup because the mushrooms add a rich flavor to the soup. The onions add a bit of sweetness to the soup, and the rice helps to absorb the flavors of the soup.
Additionally, the rice in the pilaf helps to bulk up the soup, making it a more filling meal. Mushroom pilaf is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes well with lentil soup.
Cilantro Rice
Cilantro rice is a flavorful and easy side dish that goes well with lentil soup. The cilantro adds a fresh flavor to the rice, and the lime juice gives it a bit of zing.
To make cilantro rice, start by cooking the rice according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, add the cilantro. Cilantro has a strong flavor, so you may want to start with a small amount and add more to the taste.
Stir in the lime juice and serve the rice alongside the soup. This side dish is also a great way to include fiber and vitamins in your diet.
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Spicy grilled eggplant makes a great side dish for lentil soup. The eggplant adds a delicious smoky flavor to the soup, and the spices give it a nice kick.
Plus, eggplant is a great source of nutrients like fiber and potassium. In addition, eggplant is also low in calories, so it’s a great choice if you’re watching your weight.
When selecting an eggplant for this dish, look for one that is firm and has shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that have bruises or brown spots.
To prepare the eggplant, start by slicing it into thin rounds. Next, brush the eggplant with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
Then, place the eggplant on a preheated grill and cook it for about two minutes per side. Once it is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes. You can also garnish it with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Steamed Vegetables
This is another great side dish choice. It’s simple to make and can be easily customized to your liking.
To make steamed vegetables, start by chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the vegetables. Cover the pot and let the vegetables cook for two to three minutes.
You can use any of your favorite vegetables. However, my go-to vegetables for this dish are broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
After the vegetables are cooked, you can also add a bit of butter or olive oil to the vegetables. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that goes well with lentil soup.
Meat Skewers
If you’re looking for a heartier side dish, then meat skewers are a great option. You can use any type of meat that you like for this dish. However, I usually go with chicken or beef.
To prepare the meat of your choice, start by cutting it into small pieces. If you’re using wooden sticks, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Brush the meat with sauce or marinade and then grill it for about five minutes on each side. Serve alongside the lentil soup. Yum!
Jalapeno Cornbread Muffin
Jalapeno cornbread muffins are the perfect side dish for lentil soup. The cornbread is moist and fluffy, with a slight kick from the jalapenos.
Together, the two dishes make a complete meal that is nutritious and delicious. Jalapeno cornbread muffins are also a great choice for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bread.
This muffin is low in calories and fat, and they are packed with nutrients. Jalapeno cornbread muffins are sure to become a favorite in your household.
To make this muffin, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake blended ingredients in the oven for about 20 minutes.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the muffins warm with butter or honey.
Veggie Quiche
If you’re looking for a more substantial side dish, then veggie quiche is a great option. Quiche is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Veggie Quiche goes well with lentil soup because they share many of the same flavors and textures. In addition, the creaminess of the soup, and the vegetables provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of the quiche.
Quiche is relatively easy to make. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a baking dish with a pie crust.
Next, add your favorite veggies to the pie crust. I like to use broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms. After that, pour the egg mixture over the veggies.
Bake the quiche for about 30 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Dinner Rolls
Another great side dish for lentil soup is dinner rolls. Dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the delicious soup.
This side dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
Next, add the water and oil to the mixture and stir until everything is combined. Then, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes.
After that, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown. Serve warm with butter.
Green Salad
Green Salad is a great side dish for lentil soup because of the complementary flavors and textures of the ingredients.
The freshness of the greens pairs well with the hearty flavor of the soup, and the crispy texture of the salad contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the soup.
Additionally, Green Salad is a healthy choice that provides important nutrients such as vitamins A and C, fiber, and folic acid. When served alongside lentil soup, it makes for a balanced and nutritious meal.
For this dish goes for fresh, crisp greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, or arugula. Add in some chopped vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
Then, top it off with a light dressing of your choice. I like to use a vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar.
Moroccan Salad
Moroccan Salad is a flavorful and colorful side dish that is perfect for lentil soup. The salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, and it is tossed in a light dressing.
The flavors of the salad complement the flavors of the soup, and the textures contrast nicely. A major difference between a green salad and a Moroccan salad is the addition of cooked grains.
This provides a heartier, more filling meal. To make this salad, start by cooking the grains. I like to use couscous or quinoa. Once the grains are cooked, add in the chopped vegetables and herbs.
The traditional ingredients in Moroccan cuisine include cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The cucumbers and tomatoes provide a refreshing crunch. While the cilantro gives the salad a bright flavor that helps to cut through the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables
This is another healthy side dish option that goes well with lentil soup. Roasted vegetables are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
They can be served as a side dish or used as toppings for the soup. I like to roast carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
To roast the vegetables, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, toss the vegetables with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. I like to use salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Next, spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-30 minutes. The richness of the flavors comes through when served warm.
FAQ
What side dish goes well with lentil soup?
Many side dishes go well with lentil soup. Some of our favorites include quiche, dinner rolls, green salad, Moroccan salad, and roasted vegetables.
How do you make lentil soup interesting?
There are many ways to make lentil soup more interesting. One way is to add a variety of different vegetables. Another way is to top it with crispy bacon or a flavorful cheese. Finally, you can experiment with different seasonings and spices.
Is lentil soup healthy?
Yes, lentil soup is a healthy choice. It is low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Conclusion
Lentil soup can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Some of our favorites include quiche, dinner rolls, green salad, Moroccan salad, and roasted vegetables. These side dishes add flavor and nutrition to the meal and provide a variety of textures and flavors.