Description
Lentil and Vegetable Soup is a nourishing, comforting bowl packed with tender lentils and a vibrant mix of vegetables. This hearty and wholesome soup combines plant-based protein and fiber with fresh, colorful ingredients and fragrant herbs and spices, creating a flavorful meal perfect for any chilly day or nutritious lunch. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your taste, this soup provides warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Broth
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
Protein and Fat
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 pinch natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Finely chop carrots, celery, onions, and garlic to ensure even cooking. Dice smoked turkey bacon into small pieces.
- Sauté the Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crisp. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently and cook until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but retain their shape.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes along with cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Add a pinch of natural gelling agent to achieve a comforting texture. Continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Leafy Greens and Adjust Seasoning: Fold in fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until greens have wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or extra spices as preferred.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and savor your nutritious meal.
Notes
- Brown and green lentils hold their shape best, while red lentils cook faster but can become mushy.
- Sauté vegetables first to build deep, rich flavors before adding liquids.
- Simmer the soup gently to prevent lentils from breaking apart.
- Add the natural gelling agent toward the end to avoid over-thickening.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt and enhance natural flavors.
- Freshly chopped herbs added just before serving brighten and elevate the soup’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: lentil soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, plant-based protein, comforting meal, easy soup recipe, nutritious lunch, dinner soup