Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup
This comforting lentil soup is made by slow-sautéing vegetables and simmering tender lentils in smoky vegetable broth until thick and flavorful. The final dish has a rustic, hearty texture with a rich, aromatic broth and tender lentils that hold their shape, perfect for cozy, nourishing meals.
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Calories: 250kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Large, heavy-bottomed pot
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils rinsed and sorted
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth preferably homemade or low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon lemon for juice
- a handful fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly in cold water, picking out any debris or damaged seeds.
- Chop the onion, dice the carrots, and chop the celery into small, even pieces.
- Heat the large pot over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, and they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the vegetables, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant and the garlic begins to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, releasing savory aromas.
- Add the rinsed lentils and the bay leaf to the boiling broth, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened slightly, filling the kitchen with a warm, earthy aroma.
- Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot for brightness and stir well.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
For an extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of smoked olive oil. Feel free to customize by adding spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added greens.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 700mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg