Vegetable Lentil Soup is a warm and hearty dish made with tender lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. It is simple to make and perfect for a healthy, filling meal.
I like to add a splash of lemon juice at the end; it brightens the flavors and keeps the soup fresh on a cozy day. Kids often enjoy seeing the colorful veggies!
For a quick meal, I cook it in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots:
Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color. I peel and chop them into small pieces so they cook faster. If fresh carrots aren’t available, frozen carrots work just as well and save time.
Onions:
Diced onions form the flavor base of the soup. I like using yellow onions for a mild, sweet taste. If you prefer, shallots or onion powder can be used for a different flavor kick.
Lentils:
Red or green lentils give the soup heartiness and texture. I rinse them well before cooking. For a quicker-cooking option, use pre-soaked lentils or split peas if you like a different taste and texture.
Vegetable broth:
This brings depth to the soup’s flavor. I recommend low-sodium broth to control salt. You can swap with chicken broth for a richer taste or even water + extra herbs if needed.
Garlic:
Fresh minced garlic infuses aroma and taste. I add it early for a deeper flavor. If out of fresh, garlic powder is fine—use about 1/4 teaspoon per garlic clove in the recipe.
How do I chop vegetables evenly?
To get uniform pieces, I cut each vegetable into slices of similar thickness. First, slice vegetables into even rounds, then stack and cut into strips, and finally chop into uniform pieces. Practice makes this faster and neater over time.
How to Make Vegetable Lentil Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Legumes and Broth
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables
Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. This takes about 5-10 minutes.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add vegetables and spices
Stir in carrots, celery, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add lentils and broth
Pour in lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5. Simmer the soup
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve hot in bowls. Enjoy your hearty vegetable lentil soup!
