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Vegan Lentil Soup

The Best Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe

Vegan lentil soup is a plant-based soup made with driedlentils, vegetables, and spices. It does not use meat or dairy. Instead, itgets flavor from onions, carrots, celery, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika.When the lentils cook, they turn soft and thick, which creates a heartytexture. Many people enjoy vegan lentil soup because it feels warm, balanced,and full of natural flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water add more if needed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Juice of half a lemon optional but recommended
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Strainer for rinsing lentils
  • Blender or Immersion Blender
  • Ladle for serving

Method
 

  1. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in your pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
  2. Add garlic and spices: Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavor.
  3. Add lentils and tomatoes: Pour in the rinsed lentils and tomatoes. Stir well.
  4. Pour the broth: Add vegetable broth, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes until lentils are soft.
  6. Adjust consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more water. If you want a creamier soup, blend one cup and mix it back in.
  7. Finish with lemon: Stir in lemon juice for brightness.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley.

Notes

A great vegan lentil soup depends on seasoning and texture. Lentils absorb flavor, so taste as you go. Add more salt or spices if the soup tastes flat. Use broth instead of water to get a deeper, richer taste. If you prefer a soft and creamy soup, blend a portion. If you enjoy a rustic bowl, keep it chunky. Fresh lemon juice at the end lifts the flavor and makes the soup feel lighter. Also, lentils thicken as they cool, so add extra water when reheating leftovers.