Hearty Lentil Soup with chunky vegetables and warming spices. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy and comforting meal. This vegan and gluten-free 30- minute lentil soup is easy to make, super satisfying, and full of flavor. If you are craving a nourishing, vegetarian yet inexpensive protein rich food, you can’t go wrong with this one pot meal!
This Vegetarian Lentil Soup recipe is more than just a meal. It is a reminder of the power of nourishing our bodies and souls with wholesome ingredients and heartwarming flavors. I love making a big pot of soup during winter months, or whenever I am feeling sick, or simply crave some GOOD food.
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Similar to Creamy Gnocchi Soup , Green Chile Stew and Vegetarian Dumpling Soup, this lentil soup with vegetables is our family favorite. It is freezer friendly so I often make a big batch and eat it for multiple meals. Plus, it's packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome square meal.
With its affordable pantry ingredients and rich flavors, this Budget-Friendly Vegetarian Lentil Soup is a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet. Total Cost: Approximately $6 (Prices may vary depending on location and store) Isn't that wonderful !
Ingredients
Lentils : I use dry brown lentils. Wash and rinse them well under cold water before using. Lentils don't need soaking. You can use green lentils or Puey Lentils as well. Don't have lentils on hand? You can substitute them with other affordable legumes like split peas or chickpeas.
Vegetables : I am using classic soup base of mirepoix which is onion, carrots and celery. To bulk the soup, I love to add potatoes. They make the soup velvety creamy. I use normal diced tomatoes, but fire-roasted tomatoes would be delicious for extra flavor.
Other Ingredients : Vegetable broth, minced garlic, all purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and bay leaf add the warming soothing flavors to the soup. You can add pinch of turmeric for golden hue.
Fresh garnishes like chopped herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of olive oil can add a burst of freshness and brightness to the finished soup.
How to Make Best Lentil Soup
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add bay leaf, minced garlic, diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add washed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley like herbs and squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy !
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration: Allow the lentil soup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out as it may thicken when chilled.
Freezing: Lentil soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Once the soup has cooled completely, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Portioning: Consider dividing the soup into smaller portions before storing. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need and prevents the entire batch from being reheated multiple times, which can affect the quality.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread: Serve your lentil soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm garlic toast on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying texture to your meal. Grilled Mushroom Sandwich also makes great pairing.
Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a creamy and indulgent touch, swirl in a dollop of plain yogurt, sour cream or whipped cottage cheese into each bowl of lentil soup. This adds a luxurious creaminess and a hint of tanginess to the dish.
Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the lentil soup. This will give it a spicy kick and elevate the flavors, adding a new dimension to the dish.
Side Salad: Pair your lentil soup with a simple house salad dressed with vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon. The fresh greens and vegetables will complement the heartiness of the soup and add some extra nutrients to your meal.
Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, over the top of your lentil soup just before serving. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Can I make this Lentil Soup in Instant Pot?
You absolutely can ! It is a fantastic Instant Pot dump and go recipe. Put all the ingredients ( except garnishes ) in the Instant Pot. Lock your Instant Pot lid in place. Select the pressure cooking setting and set on high for 15 minutes. Once done, stir well, adjust the seasoning and serve with garnishes. Easy and simple !!
Like many soups and stews, lentil soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making it ahead of time and reheating it when you're ready to enjoy.
More Lentil Recipes
- Moroccan Lentil Stew
- Lentil Quinoa Soup
- Lentil Salad with Curry lemon Dressing
- Khichdi - Indian Rice and Lentil Stew
- Vegan Lentil Chili
More Soup Recipes
- Chickpea Orzo Soup
- Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms
- Stuffed pepper soup
- White Bean Soup with Spinach
- Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup
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📖 Recipe
Lentil Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils rinsed and drained
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 2 potatoes diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (14 oz. can) fire roasted diced tomatoes or 3 tomatoes diced
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon all purpose seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of water, broth( or olive oil ). Add bay leaf, minced garlic, diced onion, potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add washed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley like herbs and squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Enjoy !
How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Soup
- Put all the ingredients ( except garnishes ) in the Instant Pot. Lock your Instant Pot lid in place. Valve sealed. Select the pressure cooking setting and set on high for 15 minutes. Once done, stir well, adjust the seasoning and serve with garnishes. Easy and simple !!
Notes
Nutrition
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