CuisineIndianPakistaniQuick & EasyVeganVegan Bowls

HEARTY VEGAN LENTIL SOUP (1 POT)

30 mins Cook
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Copy of NomNom Recipes 25 2

Packed with veggies and hearty lentils, this vegetarian lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber and is healthier than canned soup! It’s also super easy to make using the stovetop, Instant Pot or Slow Cooker!

I need a new soup in my life – here it is!

Just a combination of spices and various vegetables, a delicious soup that we can’t get enough of all year – we think you’ll join us!

LENTIL SOUP
HEARTY VEGAN LENTIL SOUP (1 POT) –NomNomWow

WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE!

Very easy! A one-pot recipe made with everyday ingredients that takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. You can use frozen vegetables to shorten the preparation time. Chapter

  • Eat Well! It is nutritionally balanced, rich in plant-based protein and healthy fiber.
    It also includes fat-free, heart-friendly options like lean lentil soup.
    To make cooking easier, we’ve added the Cooktop, Slow Cooker, and Instant Pot methods. If you have leftovers, it tastes even better the next day!
    Without further ado, let’s make soup!

INGREDIENT NOTES

Here are everything you need and other ideas for “your” perfect lentil soup recipe. Measurements can be found in the chart below.

  • Lentils – These are the main source of protein in this recipe. You can use brown or green lentils in the recipe. If you are using green lentils, you need to add a few minutes to the cooking time as shown in the recipe below.
  • Mirepoix—usually a combination of onions, carrots, and celery—provides a great flavor base while adding color and texture.
  • Garlic – If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Potatoes – Use waxy potatoes, such as red, white, or Yukon gold potatoes, as they hold their shape well when boiled. I’ve used small potatoes here but the sizes are great. Serve with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for variation.
  • Green beans – Use fresh or frozen.
  • Tomatoes – Use canned tomatoes for convenience or use fresh Roma tomatoes in season.
  • Vegetables – I used a small bag of kale and spinach mix, but you can use any vegetable you like – spinach, rainbow chard, chard, or kale.
  • Spices – Paprika, cumin, and curry add a deep, warm flavor that I’m starting to love. This is a delicious combination that I know you will love too!
  • For a change, I think thyme, Italian spices, or Provencal herbs are good substitutes for cumin and curry.
  • Vegetable Sauce – We love using this Best Vegetable Sauce (link) to keep sodium and energy in check. I used less than 1 teaspoon for this recipe. The jar stored in the refrigerator will be stored for a long time.
  • Parsley & Lemon – The finishing touch that adds shine and freshness.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN LENTIL SOUP

Vegan lentil soup is easy to make!

Below are the steps for the stovetop method and pictures for your reference. If using the slow cooker or Instant Pot method, just make a few adjustments as described below.

  • First gather the onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Add the red pepper, cumin and curry and fry for 1 more minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, green beans, potatoes and lentils and pour over the water.
  • Boil the soup for 30 minutes.
  • About 5 minutes before the soup is finished, add the spinach and cook until wilted.
  • Remove from the stove and add some lemon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • That’s it – now you can enjoy a bowl of soup!

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

  • Freezing: Leftovers will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. This is a great meal planning idea!
  • Freezer: Store in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 months.
  • Reheat: Simply reheat at low heat until warm. Alternatively, heat in the microwave every 30 – 60 seconds, stirring each time until warm.
  • First: This soup is great for a week’s worth of cooking and tastes even better the next day.

CAN LENTIL SOUP BE FROZEN?

Lentil soup freezes well for 2-3 months! Refrigerate, let cool completely and refrigerate to fix (link), leaving 1/2 inch of top space for expansion. Thaw before reheating. You can freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH LENTIL SOUP

Turn your lentil soup into a hearty, quality meal with one of these delicious recipes!

  • Bread: Serve with homemade bread, vegan corn, or vegan naan for dipping.
  • Sandwiches: Serve this favorite veggie sandwich with a roasted red pepper sandwich or a grilled hummus sandwich with sautéed onions, tomatoes, and arugula.
  • Salad: Serve with house salad, green salad + tahini dressing (or use healthy flax and Evo vinaigrette), vegan Caesar salad, or vegan ranch with leafy greens.

MORE VEGAN SOUP RECIPES!

  • Vegan Minestrone
  • Vegan Potato and Leek Soup
  • Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup with Curry
  • Lentil Soup with Potato and Vegetable Curry
  • Garlic Miso Soup with Vegetables
  • Let me know if you try this recipe! Take a look and rate below. I’d love to hear your thoughts or changes you’ve made.
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HEARTY VEGAN LENTIL SOUP (1 POT)

HEARTY VEGAN LENTIL SOUP (1 POT)

maimoona
Packed with veggies and hearty lentils, this vegetarian lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber and is healthier than canned soup! It's also super easy to make using the stovetop, Instant Pot or Slow Cooker!
prep time
10 mins
cooking time
30 mins
servings
4
total time
40 mins

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup water or 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 – 3 carrots (about 1 cup), diced

  • 2 celery ribs, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup (6oz.) green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces (fresh or frozen)

  • 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes with juices, or 2 – 3 roma tomatoes diced

  • 1 lb. baby potatoes, diced

  • 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon curry

  • 6 cups water or low-sodium broth, + more as needed

  • 2 handfuls of baby spinach or kale

  • juice of 1 lemon

  • 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

  • mineral salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1
Stovetop (see notes for various cooking methods):
2
Saute: In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, heat the water/olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add paprika, curry, and cumin and sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.
3
Slow Cooking: Add green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, lentils and apples, mix well and bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Add Vegetables: Add vegetables 5 minutes before soup is ready. Add up to 1 cup more water if needed. Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5
Serve: Serve in a soup bowl, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and squeeze lemon juice to spice up the soup. Homemade vegan cornbread is perfect with vegan naan or artisan bread.
6

6 Persons

Storage: Leftovers are kept in the refrigerator for 4 - 5 days.
7
The store is covered. For longer storage, store in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 months.

Notes

Lentils: If using green lentils, they take longer to cook, 5-10 minutes on the stovetop and 2 more minutes in the Instant Pot. Herbs: Try cumin and curry instead of 1 teaspoon of thyme, Italian seasoning, or Provencal herbs for a variation. Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are served with sweet potatoes or butternut squash to add flavor. Night-Shade White: Remove tomatoes, paprika, and curry. Instead of cumin, use 2-3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, herbs of Provence or thyme, rosemary, thyme, basil, etc. Make this dish easy to prepare by replacing most of the fresh vegetables with 3-4 cups of frozen vegetables. Add the onion and garlic, add the frozen vegetables and lentils and continue as directed. Various cooking methods: Instant Pot: Add ingredients other than green leaves and water/oil into the pressure cooker bowl. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the release valve to the closed position. Press the MANUAL button and set the timer to 15 minutes. When you're done, set the valve to speed or let it press itself (about 20 minutes). Remove the lid and mix the vegetables. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Slow Cooker: Add ingredients other than leafy greens and water/oil to the bowl of your slow cooker. Close the lid.
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