This hearty lentil soup is a nutritious and satisfying dish, perfect for any meal. Packed with vegetables and spices, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is a great option for those looking for healthy vegan lentil soup options.
With ingredients like red lentils, carrots, and Mediterranean spices, this easy lentil soup is not only comforting but also a healthy choice. It’s an excellent addition to your collection of easy lentil recipes and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Overview of Hearty Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is a nutritious choice, brimming with vibrant vegetables like carrots and spinach.
It showcases the rich, reddish-brown hue from red lentils, complemented by a blend of spices that enhance its flavor profile.
Perfect for any meal, this soup serves as a delightful option for those seeking healthy vegan lentil soup recipes.
Ingredients That Shine
The combination of fresh ingredients makes this lentil vegetable soup a standout.
Red lentils provide a hearty base, while diced carrots and celery add texture and sweetness.
The addition of garlic and Mediterranean spices like cumin and smoked paprika brings warmth and depth, making each spoonful a comforting experience.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this soup is straightforward and rewarding.
Start by rinsing the red lentils and chopping the vegetables, ensuring everything is ready for cooking.
Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil creates a fragrant foundation, followed by the aromatic garlic and spices that elevate the dish.
Cooking to Perfection
Once the aromatics are ready, combine the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes in the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer until the lentils are tender, absorbing all the flavors.
In the final moments of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this soup is a delightful experience.
Ladle the warm lentil soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green.
Pair it with a slice of crusty bread, making it a wholesome meal that invites enjoyment and satisfaction.
Nutritional Benefits
This lentil soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Each bowl offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner.
With its low-calorie count and healthy fats, this soup fits well into a balanced diet, appealing to those looking for hearty soups that are both nourishing and satisfying.
Easy Vegan Lentil Vegetable Soup
This lentil soup features tender lentils simmered with a variety of vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful broth. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the red lentils and chop the vegetables.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g