Truth be told, I could eat soup all year round. But, as fall and winter approaches, I really get in the mood for it! Having switched to a plant-based diet means that many of my favorite soups are no longer edible. But how do you make a hearty, protein-packed soup without meat? Lentils! Lentils are high in protein and fiber, so they’ll keep you full.
Lentil soup has always been one of my go-tos, but some companies still use chicken stock to make it or add meat to it, so I decided to start making my own. This way, I know exactly what is going into it and I can keep an eye on how much sodium I’m ingesting. You’ll notice that most of my recipes say “salt to taste” or “season to taste”. I don’t like a salty soup, but maybe you do… so you have the option to go sodium crazy if you want to.
Another awesome thing about this recipe? It’s meal prep friendly. This will make 5-6 servings.
Let’s get to it…
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups green or brown lentils
1 or 2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped or shredded
1/2 yellow onion, diced
10oz frozen spinach
3 garlic cloves, minced
salt and black pepper
32oz vegetable broth
15 oz can of diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1/4 tsp Thyme
1 bay leaf
1 TBSP vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak the lentils overnight. You will drastically cut down on cook time if you soak them for at least 12 hours. You can leave them in a covered bowl on the counter. The next day, drain and rinse.
- In a medium sauce pot, saute the garlic in 2 TBSP of EVOO until aromatic. Then, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until tender.
- Add 320z of vegetable broth, the diced tomatoes with their juices, lentils, vinegar, Thyme, bay leaf, and more salt and pepper. Give it a good stir, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen spinach, allowing it to wilt. About 10 – 15 minutes. Stir.
- Use an immersion blender to create a creamier soup.
**If you soak the lentils the night before, the soup should cook in 30 – 35 minutes.
Check out my latest video to see the soup in action!
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Oh yum! I like lentil soups, they are delicious. Perfect recipe for these cooler temps!
My husband is vegetarian and it’s always hard for him to find really tasty soups because they’re mostly chicken broth-based. This looks delicious, and I think he will love it!
I have never cooked with lentils before! I would love to try this hearty soup!
It was really chilly for a few days here. I immediately wanted to break out the crock pot and get my soup on! Your recipe sounds delicious
You had me at easy recipe! I love easy, and this looks perfect for upcoming fall.
This looks delicious. My niece is vegan and is always on the lookout for new recipes to try so I’m sending her this right now 🙂
Louise x
My sister in law is a vegan, so she will love this. It sounds like a really tasty soup.
Mmm, thank you for sharing this. I’m on the search for some fabulous soups to make for the fall and winter.
Personally I don’t like lentils, but I do have a friend who I know would really enjoy this recipe. She is always telling me about something she made with them.
I am always looking for vegan recipes to try. I will have to get the ingredients I need to make this recipe this weekend. It looks so delicious,
I will saving this for now. Glad there are so many recipes that can be found over the internet. This is best served in the coming seasons. Can’t wait to share this soup to my family.
It sounds like a delicious recipe for winter, especially for people who like lentils. It sounds very healthy as well.
I have never cooked with lentils but, I like how hearty this soup looks and wouldn’t mind trying it. Easy recipe with simple ingredients is always a win for me.
This definitely sounds like something I’d like!! I’ll surely try this! 🙂
Lentils are awesome! Seems to be a common theme for me right now that I don’t have time to cook, but my mind is at work trying to figure it out. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
xo
Ms. Finks | http://intimateexplorations.com
I love me some good lentils. I am going to have to try out this recipe. It does look delicious.
This looks delicious. I’d love to prepare this for my kids. I am encouraging them to eat more veggies.
Good to know. I like easy vegan recipes. I’m not vegan but some of my friends are.. So I’m sure this one will come in handy some day!
i love lentil soup. gotta admit, it always has a piece of ham for flavoring…hey, i’m puerto rican…lol. BUT, if you can match that smoked flavor in a vegan recipe then i’m all in.
With the weather turning so cold already, this looks like a warm and hearty treat.
I love my lentil soup with spinach, tomatoes and dried anchovy ;-). And of course with coconut milk.
This looks delicious! I love lentils and lentil soups.