Description
This hearty and flavorful Vegan Lentil Soup is made with French green lentils, savory vegetable broth, and a blend of aromatic vegetables and spices. Easy to make in one pot, this budget-friendly recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, providing 19 grams of protein per serving. Serve it with crusty bread for a comforting meal, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
For the Soup
2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black pepper
1 ½ cups French green lentils (or brown lentils)
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
3–4 cups water (adjust based on desired soup thickness)
2 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add Spices and Lentils:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes to enhance the flavors. Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
Finish and Serve:
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice for a bright finish. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley and any additional sides you like, such as crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the soup while it simmers. Overcooking can cause the lentils to become mushy. French green lentils hold their shape better, so don’t cook them too long.
Sautéing the Aromatics: The sautéing step is essential for building depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step—it adds layers of richness to the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-Free
