Name: Vegan Lentil Soup: 6 Comforting Ways to Nourish You
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz); 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Welcome to one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: vegan lentil soup! It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly without any fuss. Seriously, if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. Lentils are so forgiving and easy to work with, plus they’re packed with protein and fiber, making this soup both hearty and nourishing. I love how the aroma fills my kitchen as it simmers, and the best part? You can whip it up in just 40 minutes! Trust me, once you taste this delicious vegan lentil soup, you’ll want to make it again and again.

vegan lentil soup - detail 1

Ingredients for Vegan Lentil Soup

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, chopped into small pieces
2 carrots, diced into bite-sized cubes
2 celery stalks, diced for flavor and crunch
3 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, juices included
6 cups vegetable broth, to create a rich base
1 teaspoon cumin, for a warm spice note
1 teaspoon dried thyme, to add a hint of earthiness
Salt and pepper to taste, to bring all the flavors together
2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing and flavor

How to Prepare Vegan Lentil Soup

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delightful vegan lentil soup! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step so you can enjoy the process. It’s all about keeping it simple and stress-free, so grab your favorite pot and let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and smell amazing. This is your flavor base!
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want the garlic to burn!
Now, stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, cumin, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens! Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Take a moment to enjoy that beautiful aroma before serving it hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Hearty and nourishing, packed with protein and fiber from lentils.
One pot means less cleanup, yay!
Versatile—feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices!
Deliciously comforting, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Tips for Success

To make your vegan lentil soup truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to get rid of any debris—trust me, it makes a difference! If you’re looking for extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf while it simmers; just remember to remove it before serving. Don’t hesitate to mix in other veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. And if you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is just an estimate. For each serving of this hearty vegan lentil soup, you’re looking at approximately 200 calories, 5g of fat, 10g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in around 10g of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion! This soup is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice that helps you feel great!

FAQ about Vegan Lentil Soup

You might have some questions about this delicious vegan lentil soup, so let’s tackle a few common ones! First up, can I use different lentils? Absolutely! While green or brown lentils work great, red lentils will cook faster and create a creamier texture. How do I store leftovers? Just keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. And for reheating, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Lastly, can I freeze this soup? Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover vegan lentil soup is super easy! Just let it cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully! Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and it’ll last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Yum!

For more information on the health benefits of lentils, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re interested in exploring more comforting soups, you might enjoy this Tortellini Soup Recipe.

For a delicious side dish, consider making vegetable side dishes to accompany your soup!

Vegan Lentil Soup: 6 Comforting Ways to Nourish You

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and hearty vegan lentil soup that’s perfect for beginners.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, and thyme.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, enjoy your meal!