Description
This Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish packed with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices. It’s the perfect meal for cozy dinners or meal prep, offering both nutrition and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or water, for a lighter version)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for extra warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and spices: Stir in zucchini, cumin, thyme, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the soup: Add lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Add the greens (optional): Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Finish the soup: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in lemon juice if using.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with crusty bread or rice for a heartier meal.
Notes
- Variations: Add more vegetables, use red lentils, or boost protein with chickpeas or beans.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
