Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and deeply comforting, Vegetarian Lentil Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days or anytime you need a nourishing meal. Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and adaptable—feel free to toss in any extra veggies you have on hand. Best of all, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any dietary preferences. Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils (green, brown, or red), rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon (if using), and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Stir in the lentils and diced tomatoes, making sure to combine everything well.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season and Finish: Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite bread or crackers.

Enjoy this wholesome, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of year! It also stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for a quick meal later.