Lentil and Vegetable Soup (Printable)

Hearty soup with lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices for a satisfying plant-based meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 cup diced tomatoes, fresh or canned
10 - 4 cups vegetable broth
11 - 2 cups water
12 - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

→ Seasonings

13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 bay leaf
17 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
18 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

19 - Chopped fresh parsley
20 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
03 - Stir in cumin, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in spinach or kale; cook 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove bay leaf.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • High in plant-based protein and fiber from brown or green lentils.
  • Packed with a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables.
  • Naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free to suit most dietary needs.
02 -
  • Always rinse your dried lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris before adding them to the pot.
  • Always check vegetable broth ingredients for gluten or other allergens if you require a strict gluten-free or allergen-free diet.
  • Don't forget to remove the bay leaf before serving to ensure the best texture for your guests.
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