A filling and wholesome lentil vegetable soup recipe that is easy to follow and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Author:ariasterling
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:45 min
Total Time:60 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bay leaf
1 cup chopped kale or spinach (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, oregano, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove and discard the bay leaf.
Stir in the kale or spinach, if using, and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste.
Serve hot.
Notes
For deeper flavor, you can brown the vegetables slightly longer before adding the liquids.
This soup freezes well; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Serve this savory vegetable lentil dish with crusty bread for dipping.