Lentil Soup Recipe
This hearty and nutritious Lentil Soup is a comforting blend of green or brown lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a wholesome, easy-to-make meal perfect for any season.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Legumes & Canned Goods
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Herbs & Spices
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they are softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- Use green lentils for a firmer texture or brown lentils for a softer soup.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
- Feel free to add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: lentil soup, vegan soup, healthy lentil recipe, easy lentil soup, vegetarian dinner, gluten-free soup