Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup – A Nourishing Comfort in a Bowl 🥕🍅🥣
This Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup is packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and warming herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or anytime you crave something wholesome and deeply satisfying. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Soup 💚
- ✅ Wholesome & Nourishing: Full of fiber, plant protein, and essential nutrients.
- ✅ One-Pot Wonder: Simple to make with minimal cleanup.
- ✅ Meal-Prep Friendly: Makes a big batch and stores beautifully.
- ✅ Cozy & Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own.
🥣 Vegetable Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 onion, diced 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 3 carrots, chopped 🥕
- 2 celery stalks, chopped 🌿
- 1 zucchini, diced (optional) 🥒
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed 🌱
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes 🍅
- 6 cups vegetable broth 🥣
- 1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
- ½ tsp cumin (optional) 🌿
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (added at the end) 🌿
- Optional: lemon juice, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes for garnish 🍋🌿🌶️
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Simmer the soup:
Stir in zucchini, lentils, tomatoes, broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30–35 minutes or until lentils are tender. - Finish with greens:
Stir in chopped kale or spinach and simmer for 3–5 more minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning and add lemon juice if desired for brightness. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or chili flakes. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad. 🥣🍞
💡 Tips & Variations
- ✨ Use red lentils: For a quicker-cooking, creamier soup.
- ✨ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat.
- ✨ Add grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or barley for even more texture.
- ✨ Boost protein: Add white beans or chickpeas for extra plant-based protein.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
Lentils are rich in iron, folate, and protein, while the variety of vegetables provide antioxidants and fiber. This soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and heart-healthy.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Soup gets better as it sits—make a day in advance for deeper flavor.
- ✅ Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned lentils?
Yes—add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering, since they’re already cooked.
What vegetables can I swap or add?
Try sweet potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, or corn. Use whatever you have on hand.
Can I blend the soup?
Absolutely! Blend partially or fully for a creamier texture—just be sure to let it cool slightly first.
Warm, Wholesome & Wonderfully Filling 💚
This Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl—nourishing, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. 🥣💬 Pin it and tag us with your cozy bowl!
