This lentil vegetable soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with tender vegetables and protein-rich lentils. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for cozy fall and winter dinners.
Why This Recipe Works
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Packed with vegetables and lentils
- Easy one-pot preparation
- Naturally filling and comforting
- Perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and zucchini: Stir in the garlic and zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the soup ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Add spinach: Remove the bay leaf and stir in the spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving warm.
Tips for the Best Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot.
- Brown or green lentils work well because they hold their shape during cooking.
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
- A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors before serving.
Final Thoughts
Lentil vegetable soup is a simple, nourishing, and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Tender lentils, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright touch of lemon make this easy one-pot soup satisfying and flavorful.
