Easy Lentil Soup (Vegan & Spiced)
- Preparing Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- crusty bread
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 4 stalks celery diced
- 1 large red onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large carrot or two medium size carrots diced
- 26 can always use a 28oz can diced tomatoes and drain th
- 1 cup (7.1 ounces/200g) brown lentils picked over, rinsed and dried
- salt & pepper to taste (i use 3/4 teaspoon sea s
- 2-3 sprigs thyme to be removed at the end
- 1 cup kale roughly chopped
- juice of two limes about 2 tablespoons, squeezed over
- oil drizzle red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, parsley, and/or sprinkle o
- Carbohydrate 10.0146516026538 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.92922820585383 g
- Fiber 0.985163465016648 g
- Protein 1.48962820515552 g
- Saturated Fat 0.281273333433258 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -7 (297g)
- Sodium 609.136250001886 mg
- Sugar 9.02948813763719 g
- Trans Fat 0.102259038483086 g
- Calories 61 calories
My Easy Vegan Lentil Soup Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a marathon. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present laundry pile. But even amidst the chaos, I've learned that a nourishing, flavorful meal doesn't have to be complicated. This lentil soup recipe has become my go-to for those evenings when I need something both satisfying and quick to prepare. It's incredibly versatile, allowing me to adapt it based on what's in my fridge and the tastes of my family.
The beauty of this lentil soup lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are pantry staples—lentils, carrots, celery, onions—things I always try to keep on hand. The vibrant spices add a depth of flavor that elevates this soup beyond the ordinary. One of my favorite things about cooking is the experimentation; tweaking the recipe to my own liking. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, other times I'll throw in some spinach or chopped kale for extra greens. The possibilities are endless! The creaminess is simply perfect, and my kids often ask for seconds. Its hearty nature makes it ideal for cold evenings, warming both the body and soul. What makes it even better is how easily it can be adjusted to various preferences and dietary needs.
This soup has become a comforting staple in our home. My kids love its hearty flavor and vibrant color and so do I! The preparation is simple and straightforward, even my teenagers can lend a hand! It’s also incredibly flexible. Sometimes I'll add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess, or a squeeze of lemon for a brighter taste. If I have leftover roasted vegetables, those go in too! It's a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. This recipe has been such a time-saver for me, and the fact that it's packed with protein and fiber means I feel good about feeding it to my family. It's more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients, combined with a touch of spice and a lot of love. It is a perfect example of a home-cooked meal that everyone can enjoy.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this lentil soup embodies a philosophy that resonates deeply with my life—the idea of nourishing myself and my family with wholesome, flavorful food, even when time is limited. It's a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn't require hours in the kitchen; sometimes, the simplest meals are the most rewarding. And it’s something that I have learned to appreciate more and more over the years. This recipe is a testament to the fact that home-cooked meals, prepared with love and simplicity, can be both incredibly delicious and remarkably healthy. A hearty soup can bring warmth and satisfaction to even the most hectic of days.
Tips for Success
Tip 1: Don't skip the sautéing step. Letting the vegetables sweat before adding the lentils and broth brings out their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor base.
Tip 2: Feel free to experiment with spices. A dash of cumin, coriander, or turmeric would add wonderful complexity.
Tip 3: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have time to meld together, resulting in an even more satisfying meal.
Tip 4: Garnishes are key! A dollop of plain yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate this soup to the next level.
Tip 5: Make it a complete meal by serving with crusty bread for dipping, and a side salad.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Happy cooking!
Step-by-step
- In a large, deep pot over medium high heat, add half the olive oil (1.5 tablespoons) to heat.
- Add the onions, celery, carrot and minced garlic. Stir together and allow to sweat for about 8 minutes, to soften and release natural juices from the veggies.
- Add in the tomatoes, brown lentils, garam masala and salt and pepper. Stir together.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the thyme and stir again.
- Bring to a boil, and then to a simmer for 30 minutes, until lentils are fully cooked.
- Add in kale and lime juice and stir to combine.
- Remove the thyme. Scoop out two cups of soup (with liquid) and pour into your blender. If you have a glass blender, ensure it cools down a bit first!
- Press the soup setting or blend until fully blended out. Pour back into soup pot and mix the soup together one more time to combine everything.
- Serve the soup and top with your favourite toppings and enjoy!
