Lentil Vegetable Soup Hearty (Printable Version)
Comforting soup with lentils and fresh vegetables for a filling vegetarian meal any time.
# What You'll Need:
→ Legumes
01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 zucchini, diced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
→ Herbs & Spices
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
16 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Optional Additions
17 - Juice of 1 lemon
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# How To Make:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic, diced zucchini, and red bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
03 - Add rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, dried thyme, ground cumin, bay leaf, smoked paprika if using, and season generously with salt and black pepper.
04 - Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until lentils and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in chopped spinach or kale. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until greens are wilted.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Add lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Portion soup into bowls and garnish each with fresh parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Easy to make in one pot and requires minimal cleanup
- Loaded with wholesome plant protein and vegetables
- Customizable with seasonal produce or favorite spices
- Tastes even better the next day for meal prep
02 -
- High in fiber antioxidants and plant protein
- Gluten free vegan and perfect for most dietary needs
- Freezes well for batch cooking
03 -
- Taste at every stage of cooking so seasoning is spot on
- Do not skip sautéing the base vegetables for richness
- Always use fresh herbs for garnish if possible