Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lentil & Vegetable Soup is the perfect combination of nourishment, comfort, and ease. Packed with protein-rich lentils, an array of colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this dish offers a hearty yet wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a warm bowl on a chilly evening, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a plant-based powerhouse packed with fiber and vitamins, this soup delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and highly customizable to suit any dietary preference.

Ingredients
- Lentils (green or brown work best)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Vegetable broth
- Spinach or kale
- Olive oil
- Bay leaves
- Thyme
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Vegetables and Spices – Stir in the carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Sprinkle in thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Simmer the Soup – Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils along with bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Incorporate Greens – Stir in spinach or kale and allow it to wilt in the hot soup.
- Final Touches – Remove the bay leaves and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup for a burst of brightness.
- Serve and Enjoy – Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Protein Boost – Include chickpeas or diced tofu for added protein.
- Grain Addition – Stir in cooked quinoa, rice, or barley for extra heartiness.
- Creamy Version – Blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker consistency.
- Different Greens – Swap out spinach for Swiss chard, collard greens, or bok choy.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture if needed. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
How do I prevent the lentils from becoming mushy?
Use green or brown lentils as they hold their shape better than red lentils, which tend to break down more easily.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time as canned lentils are already soft. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese make excellent pairings.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the greens and lemon juice in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the greens and lemon juice at the end.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add meat?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken, turkey, or sausage are great additions.
How can I thicken the soup?
Blend a portion of the soup or mash some of the lentils with a spoon for a thicker consistency.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes! Dice and add potatoes with the other vegetables for a heartier soup.
What type of broth should I use?
Vegetable broth keeps it vegan, but chicken broth can be used for a richer flavor.
Can I meal-prep this soup?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Store in portioned containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
Conclusion
Lentil & Vegetable Soup is a delicious, nutrient-packed, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a cold day or a healthy addition to your meal plan, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Try it today and savor every nourishing bite!
Print
Lentil & Vegetable Soup – Your Go-To Wellness Comfort Food!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and nutritious Lentil & Vegetable Soup packed with protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for meal prep, budget-friendly, and highly customizable.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Rinse lentils under running water. Chop onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables & Spices – Stir in carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Season with thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Simmer – Pour in broth, add lentils and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add Greens – Stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt.
- Final Touches – Remove bay leaves, add lemon juice, and stir.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or diced tofu.
- Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa, rice, or barley.
- Creamy Version: Blend part of the soup for a thicker texture.
- Swap Greens: Use Swiss chard, collard greens, or bok choy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: international
Keywords: lentil vegetable soup, healthy soup recipe, vegan lentil soup, easy meal prep soup, high-protein soup
No comment