Name: Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup dry lentils; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 5 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you are searching for a soul-warming, hearty meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, this Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with tender lentils, vibrant carrots, celery, and tangy tomatoes, this soup blends high protein and fiber into every comforting spoonful. Whether you’re chasing cozy vibes on a chilly day or aiming for a wholesome vegan option, this recipe serves up all the satisfaction you need with a lovely Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of many small bowls and a measuring cup on a white marbled surface. There are 15 bowls in total, all white, each holding different ingredients. From top left to right are light brown chopped nuts, shredded white cheese, and a small bowl with a brown spice. Below them is a bowl of yellow corn, a glass measuring cup with light yellow liquid, and a white bowl filled with bright red tomato pieces. To the middle left is a bowl with chopped green herbs, in the center is a bowl of ground meat colored brown with some red, and to the right is a small bowl filled with a dark yellow sauce with a wooden spoon. Below the meat bowl is a small amount of yellow oil in a white bowl, and next to it is a bowl with chopped white onions. Further down on the left is a bowl with small chopped orange carrots, in the center a small bowl with a brown nutmeg or seed, and on the right a bowl filled with chopped green peas. The arrangement is neat and all bowls rest on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe shine. These simple components come together to create a medley of tastes, textures, and colors that keep every bite exciting and nourishing.

1 cup dry lentils: The protein-packed base that softens beautifully and absorbs all the flavors.
1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory foundation when sautéed gently.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring a natural sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Offer a subtle bitterness and crunch in the early cooking stage.
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz): Introduce acidity and a juicy texture, balancing richness perfectly.
5 cups vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together and keeps it soul-soothing.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy spice that complements the lentils wonderfully.
1 teaspoon paprika: Lends a smoky depth that enhances the soup’s complexity.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and round out the flavors.

How to Make Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by warming a large pot over medium heat. Add a touch of oil and toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant, about five minutes. This step builds the aromatic base that infuses the whole soup with richness and warmth.

Step 2: Add Lentils, Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices

Next, pour in the dry lentils along with the canned diced tomatoes, keeping all that lovely juice. Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the cumin and paprika. Stir everything together to combine so that the spices begin releasing their incredible scent and flavor into the mix.

Step 3: Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the lentils soften and the ingredients meld, creating a hearty, comforting texture and a harmonious flavor.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Once the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This final adjustment brings all the elements into perfect balance, ready to be enjoyed warm and nourishing.

How to Serve Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with lentil soup sit on a white marbled surface. The soup has a rich brown broth with visible layers of small round lentils, chopped orange carrot pieces, and light green celery chunks mixed throughout. Bright green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. Around the bowls, there are whole carrots and lemons placed casually, along with silver utensils and a white towel with red patterns folded nearby. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also add a delightful zing that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a light green salad for a fresh, crunchy side. If you want something heartier, warm pita or garlic bread works wonderfully as a companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an edible, rustic presentation. Alternatively, layering it as a base in individual bowls topped with a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted seeds can turn this humble soup into something extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe into airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunches or comforting dinners during the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay fresh and delicious in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl, just be sure to stir halfway through for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of the dry lentils in this soup?

Absolutely! Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, giving the soup a creamier texture. Just reduce the simmering time to about 20 minutes and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Is this Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. This soup is ideal for meal prepping because it stores well, freezes neatly, and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have fully melded. Perfect for batch cooking!

Can I add greens like spinach or kale to the soup?

Yes! Adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking boosts both nutrition and color. Just stir them in during the last 5 minutes so they wilt perfectly without losing their texture.

What other spices can I experiment with in this soup?

Feel free to play around with spices like turmeric, coriander, or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Each will add a unique dimension that makes this Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe your own.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, using chicken broth will yield a richer flavor, but keep in mind it won’t be vegan. For a purely vegan dish, stick with the vegetable broth as it complements the lentils and vegetables beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe truly hits all the marks – it’s hearty, healthy, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just diving into making your own, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe for those days when you need something both nourishing and delicious.

Alice

Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need