Go Back Email Link
Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Vegetable Soup Recipe

Lentil vegetable soup is a nutritious and flavorful dishmade by simmering lentils with a mix of vegetables and spices. It’s a wholesomemeal often enjoyed as a vegan or vegetarian option. The combination of lentils,onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes provides a hearty base, while the spiceslike cumin, paprika, and turmeric bring depth and warmth to the soup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry lentils rinsed
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric optional, but it adds a nice color
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle
  • Can Opener

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, cumin, paprika, and turmeric (if using). Stir everything together for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices start to bloom.
  3. Add Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil over high heat.
  4. Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  5. Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaf: Add the diced tomatoes and bay leaf to the soup. Stir everything together, then continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want a more robust flavor, add an extra dash of cumin or paprika.
  7. Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

The key to great lentil soup lies in the seasoning. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the spices as the soup cooks. If you like a little more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder. If you prefer a more earthy flavor, increase the cumin or turmeric.