Description
A hearty and nutritious Lentil & Vegetable Soup packed with protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for meal prep, budget-friendly, and highly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Rinse lentils under running water. Chop onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables & Spices – Stir in carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Season with thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Simmer – Pour in broth, add lentils and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add Greens – Stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt.
- Final Touches – Remove bay leaves, add lemon juice, and stir.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Protein Boost: Add chickpeas or diced tofu.
- Grain Addition: Mix in cooked quinoa, rice, or barley.
- Creamy Version: Blend part of the soup for a thicker texture.
- Swap Greens: Use Swiss chard, collard greens, or bok choy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: international
Keywords: lentil vegetable soup, healthy soup recipe, vegan lentil soup, easy meal prep soup, high-protein soup