Name: Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 cups dry brown or green lentils; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 large onion, diced; 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups chopped spinach or kale; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chili flakes, extra olive oil

Description

A hearty, plant-based lentil soup loaded with vegetables, Mediterranean flavors, and simple ingredients for a clean, healthy comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 cups dry brown or green lentils

6 cups vegetable broth

1 large onion, diced

3–4 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, diced

1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped

2 cups chopped spinach or kale

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried thyme or oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, chili flakes, extra olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add garlic, carrots, and celery and sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

3. Stir in lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme or oregano. Toast spices for 2–3 minutes.

4. Pour in vegetable broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 35–40 minutes until lentils are tender.

5. Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or chili flakes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: soup
Method: stovetop
Cuisine: mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 600
Fat: 8
Saturated Fat: 1
Unsaturated Fat: 6
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 12
Protein: 15
Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: veggie-packed lentil soup, clean lentil soup, healthy vegan lentil soup, mediterranean lentil and bean soup, vegan lentil soup, mediterranean diet recipes, plant-based soup, comfort meal