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Vegetarian Lentil Soup

A hearty and filling vegetarian soup made with lentils, vegetables, and warm spices, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegetarian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 cup Lentils (brown or green) No need to soak, just rinse.
  • 1 medium Onion Chop roughly.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Chop or mince.
  • 2 medium Carrots Chop roughly.
  • 2 stalks Celery Optional; can substitute with bell pepper.
  • 1 can Crushed tomatoes Canned or fresh.
  • 4 cups Vegetable broth Can use water with a bouillon cube.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1 to taste Salt
  • 1 to taste Pepper
Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Can adjust to taste.
Finishing Ingredients
  • 2 cups Leafy greens (spinach or kale) Optional.
  • 1 1 Lemon Juice added at the end.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Cooking
  1. Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, and spices; stir to combine.
  2. Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover partially.
  3. Simmer for at least 25 minutes or until lentils are soft, stirring occasionally.
  4. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add leafy greens.
  5. Squeeze in lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Notes

Freeze leftovers for easy meals during busy days. The soup flavors improve the next day. Customize with other spices or ingredients as desired.