Vegetable Lentil Soup is a warm, hearty dish made with tender lentils and a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and tomatoes. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for a cozy meal.
I like to think of it as a hug in a bowl—just the thing to make me feel good on a busy day. Sometimes, I sneak in a little extra garlic because it’s so tasty!
If you prepare a big pot, you can keep some in the fridge for later. It’s healthy, hearty, and perfect for quick lunches or dinners any day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: I recommend using dried brown or green lentils—they hold their shape well. Rinse before cooking to remove dirt. If you’re short on time, canned lentils work too; just drain and rinse well.
Broth: Use vegetable broth for rich flavor. I prefer homemade or low-sodium canned broth so I can control salt. You can also substitute with chicken broth if you’re flexible on flavor.
Spices & Herbs: A bay leaf and thyme give classic flavor. I like to add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat. Fresh garlic and parsley can be used interchangeably with dried for convenience.
How do I perfect my diced vegetables without them turning mushy?
To keep vegetables firm, cut them uniform in size for even cooking. Add denser veggies like carrots first, then softer ones like spinach later. Cook each stage just until tender, not soft, to maintain texture and color.
- Start by sautéing onions and celery until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
- Add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes before adding liquids and other veggies.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until all veggies are just tender—about 15-20 minutes.
How to Make Vegetable Lentil Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Legumes and Broth
- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Optional
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparation: 10 minutes. Cooking: 35 minutes. Total: 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. This will help everything cook evenly.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add lentils and seasonings
Pour in the rinsed lentils. Stir in thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
4. Pour in broth and simmer
Add vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Adjust and serve
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
