Warm your soul with this delicious and nutritious Vegan Lentil Soup recipe! Packed with protein-rich lentils and vibrant vegetables, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly days. In just 50 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will love. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions and enjoy a bowl of goodness. Click to discover the full recipe and make this soul-warming dish today!
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices
6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
![- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils - 1 medium onion - 2 cloves garlic - 2 medium carrots - 2 stalks celery - 1 red bell pepper - 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz) - 6 cups vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 bay leaf - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper - Fresh parsley for garnishing The main ingredients in this vegan lentil soup create a hearty and filling dish. Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and iron, making them a superstar in plant-based meals. Using fresh vegetables adds flavor and nutrients. I love to use onion and garlic for their strong taste and health benefits. - Additional spices (e.g., red pepper flakes for heat) - Coconut milk for creaminess - Leafy greens (spinach or kale for added nutrition) You can customize your soup with these optional ingredients. Adding red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture while keeping it vegan. Leafy greens, like spinach or kale, boost the nutrition and color. Feel free to mix and match! For the complete dish, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Sauté onion until it turns transparent. - Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Start by warming the olive oil. This gets the pot ready for all the great flavors ahead. Next, toss in the chopped onion. Cook it until it becomes clear. This usually takes about five minutes. The smell will fill your kitchen. After that, add the minced garlic. Stir it in for one more minute. You want to release that lovely garlic aroma. - Add diced vegetables and sauté until softened. - Stir in spices and let cook for a minute. - Incorporate lentils, tomatoes, and broth, then bring to a boil. Now it's time to add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook these veggies until they soften, which takes about five to seven minutes. Stir often to keep everything cooking evenly. After that, sprinkle in the spices: ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let them cook for a minute to deepen their flavors. Now, add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. The pot will bubble, and soon you’ll have a warm soup! - Reduce heat and cover, simmer for 30-35 minutes. - Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning. - Blend for a creamy texture if desired. Once it boils, turn the heat down low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes. This will soften the lentils. After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a creamier soup, grab an immersion blender. Blend part of the soup until you reach your desired texture. If you prefer it chunky, leave it as is. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your warm bowl of vegan lentil soup! To make your vegan lentil soup even better, consider using homemade vegetable broth. It gives the soup a rich, deep flavor. Store-bought broth can work too, but homemade broth shines. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving adds a bright note. This helps balance the flavors and makes every bite pop. You can blend the soup to your desired texture. If you like it creamy, blend a portion until smooth. If you prefer it chunky, leave it as is. You can also play with the cooking time. Smaller lentils cook faster, while larger ones take a bit longer. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Garnishing your soup makes it look inviting. Top it with slices of avocado or a spoonful of vegan yogurt for added creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley add a burst of flavor and color. Serve your soup with fresh crusty bread for dipping. That combination makes each meal even more delightful. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can spice things up with this variation. Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. For a smoky twist, include chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This will give your soup a deep, rich flavor that warms you from the inside out. If you prefer a creamy texture, try blending in coconut milk or cashew cream. This makes the soup smooth and rich. You can also add pureed white beans. They boost creaminess and add more protein, making your soup filling and satisfying. For a nutritious boost, stir in fresh spinach or kale toward the end of cooking. These greens add color and nutrients. You can also incorporate Swiss chard for an earthy flavor. This not only enhances taste but also makes your meal more wholesome. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After you enjoy your Vegan Lentil Soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before you put it in the fridge. This step helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. This way, it stays safe and delicious. Reheating your soup is easy. You can warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If you prefer the microwave, heat it in short intervals. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This keeps the flavors intact and the soup warm. Yes, you can use canned lentils. Canned lentils save time, but they differ from dried ones. Dried lentils need to be rinsed and cooked. Canned lentils are soft and ready to eat. If you use them, cut the cooking time by half. Add them towards the end of the cooking process. This way, they stay intact and don't turn mushy. Vegan lentil soup is very healthy! Lentils are full of protein, fiber, and iron. They help keep you full and support digestion. They also lower the risk of heart disease. The veggies add vitamins and minerals. Carrots provide beta-carotene, and tomatoes give you antioxidants. This soup is a complete meal in one bowl. There are easy ways to thicken your soup. One method is to blend some soup with an immersion blender. Blend until smooth, then mix it back in. This gives a creamy texture without adding dairy. Another option is to add starch. You can use cornstarch or potato. Mix a tablespoon with water, then stir it into the soup. Let it cook for a few extra minutes. This blog post covered a hearty vegan lentil soup recipe packed with veggies and spices. We explored the main and optional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips to enhance flavor, and variations to keep it fresh. You can store leftovers easily or freeze them for later. Enjoy experimenting, and remember that each ingredient adds its own touch. Make this soup your own and share it with loved ones. It's healthy, tasty, and simple to prepare. 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