Name: Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 bay leaf; 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

Warm up with a hearty and nutritious Lentil Soup, perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year. This vegan-friendly soup is packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. Easy to make and budget-friendly, this Lentil Soup is ideal for meal prepping and will keep you feeling full and energized. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a light dinner, this flavorful soup is sure to become a favorite. Keywords: lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, plant-based meal, hearty soup, easy lentil soup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add Lentils and Broth:
1. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth to the pot.
2. Add the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Finish the Soup:
1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. If desired, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
3. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve:
1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for added nutrition.
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan

Keywords: lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, plant-based meal, hearty soup, easy lentil soup, protein-rich soup, vegetable soup