why make this recipe
Vegetarian Lentil Soup is a great choice for anyone looking for a warm, comforting meal. It is packed with nutrients and is a fantastic way to get in your daily servings of vegetables and legumes. The combination of lentils, potatoes, and carrots not only makes it filling but also gives it a rich, hearty flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
how to make Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (around 4-5 small potatoes)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until the garlic is translucent.
- Add the potatoes and carrots. Season with salt and fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, thyme, marjoram, and vegetable stock.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Remove from heat, cool for 5 minutes, and stir in the cheese.
- Take out ¼ cup of soup, mix it with sour cream, and add it back to the soup.
- Blend a portion for creaminess if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh herbs.
how to serve Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Serve the Vegetarian Lentil Soup hot in bowls. You can garnish it with fresh herbs or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor. This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a refreshing salad.
how to store Vegetarian Lentil Soup
To store the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
tips to make Vegetarian Lentil Soup
- Make sure to rinse the lentils before adding them to remove any dust or debris.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. You can add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick!
variation
You can make this soup with different types of lentils, such as red or yellow lentils. These varieties cook faster and will give the soup a different texture. You can also switch up the herbs and spices to match your personal preference.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup stores well, so you can prepare it a day or two ahead of time. Just reheat before serving.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage for a meatier version, but the soup is delicious as a vegetarian option as well.
Vegetarian Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, comforting vegetarian soup packed with nutrients from lentils, potatoes, and carrots. Perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (around 4–5 small potatoes)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until the garlic is translucent.
- Add the potatoes and carrots. Season with salt and fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the lentils, thyme, marjoram, and vegetable stock.
- Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Remove from heat, cool for 5 minutes, and stir in the cheese.
- Take out ¼ cup of soup, mix it with sour cream, and add it back to the soup.
- Blend a portion for creaminess if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve with fresh herbs.
Notes
Rinse the lentils before use, and feel free to add additional vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: vegetarian, soup, lentils, healthy, comfort food