It happened again. Another chilly evening, another craving for something warm and comforting. That’s when I remembered this Vegetarian Lentil Soup recipe. It’s a family favorite for a reason!
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings to create your perfect bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love It
This Vegetarian Lentil Soup is so much more than just a simple soup. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Flavor explosion: The combination of aromatic vegetables, earthy lentils, and warming herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Budget-friendly: Lentils are an affordable source of protein, making this soup a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, this soup is a nourishing choice for a healthy lifestyle.
- Versatile and adaptable: Customize this soup with your favorite vegetables, spices, and toppings to create your own signature version. You can even make it in your Instant Pot!
Vegetarian Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
## Better-Than-Grandma Tips
Rinse those lentils: Lentils can sometimes be dusty or have small debris, so give them a good rinse before adding them to the soup.
Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after cooking. Or, follow my creamy soup directions, and temper in a bit of sour cream. Delicious!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to your taste! Check out our other soup recipes for new inspirations!
Instant Pot magic: For a quicker version, you can easily adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables, then add the lentils, herbs, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the rinsed lentils, thyme, and marjoram to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream with a quarter cup of the hot soup. This will temper the sour cream and prevent it from curdling when added to the pot. Pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the soup and stir gently.
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
## That’s a Wrap
This Vegetarian Lentil Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and so easy to adapt to your family’s tastes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the fun variations, I hope this soup brings warmth and happiness to your table. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration! Now, share the love! Let me know what you think of this cozy soup on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredient Lowdown
This vegetarian lentil soup is made with readily available ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Aromatic Base: One chopped onion, three minced garlic cloves, and two finely chopped celery stalks form the flavorful foundation of this soup.
- Hearty Vegetables: One and a half cups of cubed potatoes (about 4-5 small potatoes) and two chopped carrots add substance and nutrients.
- Lentils: Half a cup of rinsed green or brown lentils provides protein and texture. (I usually prefer brown, but green work great too!)
- Herbs: Half a teaspoon each of thyme and marjoram adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Broth: Six cups of vegetable stock create the rich, savory base of the soup.
- Creamy Swirl (Optional): One-third cup of shredded cheddar cheese and two tablespoons of sour cream add a touch of richness and tang. (You can skip these for a vegan version!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots to the pot. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Incorporate Lentils and Herbs
Add the rinsed lentils, thyme, and marjoram to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese (Optional)
Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 6: Temper the Sour Cream (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream with a quarter cup of the hot soup. This will temper the sour cream and prevent it from curdling when added to the pot. Pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the soup and stir gently.
Step 7: Blend (Optional) and Serve
For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Rinse those lentils: Lentils can sometimes be dusty or have small debris, so give them a good rinse before adding them to the soup.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more vegetable broth. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after cooking. Or, follow my creamy soup directions, and temper in a bit of sour cream. Delicious!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to your taste! Check out our other soup recipes for new inspirations!
- Instant Pot magic: For a quicker version, you can easily adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables, then add the lentils, herbs, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
Flavor Twists
- Spicy Lentil Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic and onion for a kick of heat.
- Curried Lentil Soup: Stir in a tablespoon of curry powder or paste along with the other spices. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and richness. Looking for something completely different? Try our Kimchi Stew recipe!
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving for a bright, Mediterranean twist.
- Coconut Lentil Soup: Use coconut milk instead of vegetable broth for a creamy, tropical spin on this classic soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
This soup is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also swap the lentils for split peas or beans. For a heartier soup, add a handful of cooked quinoa or rice during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze this lentil soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this soup creamy?
This soup is delicious as is, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup after cooking. Start by blending a small portion and adjust to your liking.
How can I make this soup vegan?
To make this soup vegan, simply omit the sour cream and cheddar cheese. You can use a vegan cheese substitute or add a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt before serving for extra creaminess.
How to Serve
This Vegetarian Lentil Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. Try it alongside some delicious Korean pancakes for a balanced meal.
That’s a Wrap
This Vegetarian Lentil Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and so easy to adapt to your family’s tastes. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the fun variations, I hope this soup brings warmth and happiness to your table. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious dinner recipes for more weeknight inspiration! Now, share the love! Let me know what you think of this cozy soup on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.
