Description
Vegetarian Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs to offer a comforting, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for cozy nights, this wholesome plant-based recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking a delicious, healthful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes
- 1 cup red or brown lentils, rinsed
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (added at end)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dust or impurities. Finely chop the carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add diced onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste or crushed tomatoes along with cumin, thyme, and bay leaf. Allow them to cook with the vegetables for a few minutes to release their aromas and deepen the flavors.
- Pour in Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Finish and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Always rinse lentils to remove impurities and improve texture.
- Sauté vegetables until soft to enhance the soup’s depth and flavor.
- Simmer gently to prevent lentils from becoming mushy.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for maximum aroma and vibrancy.
- Finish with lemon juice to balance acidity and brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: vegetarian lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, plant-based soup, lentil recipe, cozy soup, easy dinner
