There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. Our Vegetarian Lentil Soup is exactly that – a hearty, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings, a light lunch, or a comforting meal anytime you need a little extra warmth, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals. This makes our lentil soup a satisfying and healthy option for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. Forget bland and boring; this recipe is designed to deliver a rich, savory experience that will leave you feeling full, happy, and completely content.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Lentil Soup
- Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich lentils and an abundance of fresh vegetables, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you feeling energized.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Aromatic vegetables, savory broth, and a blend of herbs and spices create a depth of flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Budget-Friendly: Lentils are an economical ingredient, making this a cost-effective meal option for families.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or spices, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and enjoying delicious homemade meals on busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add Lentils and Tomatoes
Add the dried red lentils and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and breaking down slightly.
Step 5: Add Final Vegetables
Add the chopped zucchini and fresh spinach to the soup. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the spinach has wilted.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegetarian Lentil Soup
- Sauté Aromatics Thoroughly: Don’t rush the initial sautéing of onions, carrots, and celery. This step builds the foundational flavor of your soup.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Add vegetables in stages, starting with those that take longer to cook and adding quicker-cooking ones towards the end.
- Boost the Flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh basil added at the end provides a burst of fresh flavor that dried herbs can’t replicate.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
Nutritional Benefits
Vegetarian Lentil Soup is not only delicious but also packed with incredible nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Vegetables: Provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- High in Fiber: Lentils and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber.
- Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein.
- Low in Saturated Fat: Naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Boosts Immunity: The vitamins and minerals help support a healthy immune system.
- Sustained Energy: Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy release.
Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add dried red lentils and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add zucchini and spinach. Cook for 5 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp and spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
