Vegan Lentil Soup

Imagine a steaming bowl of Vegan Lentil Soup, with its vibrant colors and earthy aroma filling your kitchen.

This comforting dish is as simple as it’s satisfying, perfect for any chilly day.

With humble ingredients like lentils, carrots, and celery, it transforms into a hearty, nutritious meal, rich in flavor and warmth.

Let’s bring this delightful soup to life and savor its wholesome goodness together.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Vegan Lentil Soup, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading the Recipe: 5 minutes
   • Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work: 15 minutes
   • Gather all ingredients and equipment.
   • Rinse the lentils.
   • Chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrots and celery, and chop the parsley.
3. Cooking: 30 minutes
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion and garlic until the onion is translucent (approximately 5 minutes).
   • Add carrots and celery, and cook for 5 minutes.
   • Stir in spices (cumin, turmeric, paprika) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
   • Stir in lentils and diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper.
   • Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Final Touches & Resting: 7 minutes
   • Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serving: 3 minutes
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.

Stir in diced carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes.

Add cumin, turmeric, and paprika, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Stir in lentils and diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper.

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and let soup rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Pair with a warm, crusty bread to soak up the hearty soup.
• Side Salad: Balance the meal with a fresh side salad, adding a crunchy texture.
• Brown Rice: Serve over a bed of brown rice for added fiber and a filling meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables.
• Avocado Slices: Top with creamy avocado slices for added richness and healthy fats.

Storage

To store Vegan Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Freezing

To freeze Vegan Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date.

Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

When reheating vegan lentil soup, use low-medium heat on the stovetop for even warming.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Alternatively, microwave covered, stirring halfway through, for efficient reheating.

Final Thoughts

Vegan lentil soup is a nourishing and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its rich blend of spices and vegetables, it offers a satisfying depth of flavor.

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the seasoning or adding additional vegetables.

Enjoy this comforting soup as a standalone meal or pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Red Lentils Instead of Green Lentils?

You can use red lentils instead of green. They cook faster, so reduce simmering time to about 20 minutes. Red lentils break down more, creating a creamier texture. Adjust seasoning as red lentils have a slightly sweeter taste.

Is the Soup Suitable for Freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. Leave some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

How Can I Add More Protein to the Soup?

To boost protein, add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to your soup. You can stir them in during the last five minutes of simmering. Make certain they’re well-heated before serving to maintain a consistent texture and flavor.

What Can I Substitute for Cumin Powder?

You can substitute cumin powder with coriander powder or ground caraway seeds. Use the same amount as cumin. If you want a different flavor profile, try curry powder or garam masala for a spicier kick.

Is This Soup Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is! You’ll need to guarantee all ingredients, especially the vegetable broth, are labeled gluten-free. Check labels carefully. If you’re adding any extra ingredients, verify they’re also gluten-free to keep the soup safe.