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Easy vegetarian lentil soup is a healthy plant-based meal with real food ingredients. This simple recipe is full of protein, fiber and so much healthier than any canned soup. It’s full of vegetables and perfect for meal prep

Easy Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipe

Easy vegetarian lentil soup recipe

Lentil soup variations:

There are lots of way to vary up this simple soup. Lucky for all of us, most items can be found in your pantry or in your refrigerator. Lentil soup is a great way to make an economical, plant-based meal that uses up real food ingredients. Here are some simple ways to vary it (so that you can put it on a regular rotation!)

Why add bone broth to lentil soup?

While adding bone broth will obviously make this non-vegetarian, it can provide a healthy protein source along with healthy nutrients as well. For those dealing with leaky gut, or even those who are aiming to strengthen their gut health, having bone broth on a regular basis is one of the ways to tackle this. In addition, those battling auto-immune issues find bone broth to be a helpful part of their healing protocol.

What color lentils are best for soup?

Brown or green lentils will hold their shape best. Red lentils cook in over half the cooking time of brown and green, and red lentils also turn into a squishy consistency. For this reason, I’d highly suggest using brown or green lentils.

Vegetarian soup is full of vegetables and plant-based protein from lentils

Can I Use Different Vegetables?

Yes you can! Another great thing about this vegetarian lentil soup recipe is that you can add in other veggies you may have on hand. Green beans, peas, cut asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell pepper, fresh (seeded and peeled) tomatoes are all good options. Use up what’s in your fridge or pantry so it doesn’t go to waste!

Other add-ins for this simple lentil soup recipe:

  • While it would obviously not be vegetarian, add in some shredded chicken or cooked sausage if desired.
  • Up your plant-based game with some quinoa.
  • Maybe not an “add-in”, but top some cooked brown rice for a heartier meal.
  • Add some Parmesan cheese to the top (not dairy-free, obviously)

Two bowls of vegetarian lentil soup and a Staub pot with soup in it

Questions about Vegetarian Lentil Soup

What type of pot should I cook this soup in? I have a Staub Dutch Oven that I love (and which is pictured here), but honestly a soup pot will work well for this, too.

Will this be filling enough for a meal? Yes; because it is full of vegetables and plant-based protein, this should be filling enough for a meal, but see the next question for suggestions on what to serve with it.

What to serve with lentil soup? A nice big salad goes well with lentil soup, as does a piece of toast or bread.

Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely. Make this and freeze it in freezer-friendly jars or these super cute Souper Cubes and have healthy meals on hand for busy days. In addition, this would make a great inclusion for lunch boxes or meals you need on-the-go.

Do I need to add greens to it? Nope, they are not necessary. But you will reap the benefits of them if you do include them!

Get healthy with a large dose of vegetables and lentils in this easy soup

 

5 from 2 votes
Two bowls of vegetarian lentil soup and a Staubb pot with soup in it
Easy Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
 

Easy vegetarian lentil soup is a healthy plant-based meal with real food ingredients. This simple recipe is full of protein, fiber and so much healthier than any canned soup. It's full of vegetables and perfect for meal prep!

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Calories: 235 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 stalks celery , cut into pieces
  • 3 carrots , cut into pieces
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (use chicken broth if not vegetarian)
  • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes , not drained
  • 1.5 cups green lentils
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 handful greens
  • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes. Add carrots and celery, and cook 2 more minutes. Add spices and cook 1 more minute, stirring frequently.

  2. Add broth, tomatoes, lentils and water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a medium-low simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

  3. A few minutes before cooking time is up, add greens and they will wilt.

  4. Let cool before serving.

Recipe Notes

Store: Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 4 – 5 days. store covered. To keep longer, store in the freezer in freezer safe containers for 2 – 3 months.

Nutrition Facts
Easy Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Amount Per Serving
Calories 235 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 670mg29%
Potassium 645mg18%
Carbohydrates 37g12%
Fiber 16g67%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 5552IU111%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 62mg6%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

As I mentioned, this is a SOUPer (ha!) easy recipe that makes an appearance often in our house. I hope it does in yours, too!! And if you are also a soup lover, be sure to check out some of these other recipes:

30 Minute Easy Black Bean Soup

Healthy Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Instant Pot Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Kale

Chunky Root Vegetable Stew

Instant Pot Vegan Tomato Soup

Enjoy!

Easy Vegetarian Lentil Soup REcipe - plant-based, healthy, vegan

 

 

 

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