Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Full Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Shopping List
- Produce: 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups fresh spinach, fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Pantry: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup brown or green lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, salt, black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations & Serving Ideas
This heartwarming Lentil Vegetable Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it alongside a generous slice of warm, crusty sourdough bread for dipping, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. For an elegant touch, ladle the soup into cozy bowls, drizzle with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. This soup is a meal prep dream! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months for quick and easy meals on demand.
I truly hope this Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup becomes a cherished staple in your home, bringing comforting warmth and delicious nutrition to your table, especially on those busy days. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary! If you give this recipe a try, I’d absolutely love to hear from you in the comments below – your feedback makes my day! Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful! #LentilSoupRecipeEasy #LentilSoupRecipe #HowToMakeLentils #LentilVegetableSoup #LentejasReceta #LentilSoupRecipes #TastyVegetarianRecipes #LentilRecipes #VeganSoup
