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Lentil soup with vegetables

Lentil Soup with Vegetables: Wholesome & Warming

Ronaldo
This hearty lentil soup is a nutritious and comforting meal packed with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich lentils. It’s a one-pot recipe perfect for chilly days or a quick, healthy dinner option. The combination of earthy lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a flavorful, satisfying dish that's both delicious and nourishing.
Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This versatile recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Ideal for meal prep, it stores well in the fridge or freezer for convenient, reheatable meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Traditional Dinner
Cuisine International, Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried brown or green lentils rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 carrots diced
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 medium potatoes cubed
  • 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes

Seasonings:

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients

  • Rinse lentils and check for stones
  • Dice all vegetables uniformly
  • Mince garlic
  • Measure out spices

Start the Base

  • Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat
  • Sauté onions until translucent (5 minutes)
  • Add carrots and celery, cook 5 minutes
  • Add garlic, cook 1 minute

Add Main Components

  • Add lentils, potatoes, and spices
  • Pour in broth and tomatoes
  • Add bay leaves
  • Bring to boil, then reduce heat

Simmer and Finish

  • Simmer covered for 25-30 minutes
  • Add leafy greens in last 5 minutes
  • Add lemon juice
  • Adjust seasoning
  • Garnish with parsley

Notes

Pro Tips

  • Don't overcook lentils - they should be tender but not mushy
  • Cut vegetables in similar sizes for even cooking
  • Add salt at the end to prevent tough lentils
  • Use fresh spices for best flavor
  • Save some liquid for reheating

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze up to 3 months
  • May need additional liquid when reheating

Variations

Additional Vegetables:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Mushrooms
  • Butternut squash

Protein Additions:

  • Quinoa
  • Small pasta
  • Chickpeas
  • Diced ham (non-vegetarian)

Spice Variations:

  • Indian-style (add garam masala)
  • Mediterranean (add herbs de Provence)
  • Moroccan (add ras el hanout)
  • Spicy (add red pepper flakes)

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with:
    • Fresh herbs
    • Lemon wedges
    • Drizzle of olive oil
    • Croutons
    • Grated Parmesan
  • Serve with:
    • Crusty bread
    • Brown rice
    • Fresh salad
    • Greek yogurt

Tips for Best Results

  • Use fresh vegetables
  • Don't skip the sautéing step
  • Adjust liquid for desired thickness
  • Season gradually
  • Let sit 10 minutes before serving

Make Ahead Tips

  • Prep vegetables in advance
  • Double recipe for freezing
  • Store garnishes separately
  • Can be made in slow cooker
Keyword Lentil Soup with Vegetables