Description

This Easy One-Pot Lentil Veggie Soup is a quick, nutritious, and comforting meal that combines lentils and fresh vegetables simmered with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and cleanup while delivering a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both budget-friendly and versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

Legumes & Vegetables

1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Oils & Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or substitute fresh parsley, cilantro, or rosemary)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a balanced blend of flavors.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrots; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in thyme, bay leaf, cumin, and smoked paprika to toast lightly and release their aroma. Add rinsed lentils and toss to coat with the spices.
Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes: Add vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes, ensuring lentils are fully submerged. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and gently simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
Add Greens and Finish: Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for another 3-5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and prevent bitterness.
Avoid overcooking lentils to maintain their texture and shape.
Sauté aromatics first to layer and intensify the soup’s flavors.
Adjust thickness by adding extra broth or simmering uncovered to thicken.
Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness and aroma.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: International

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lentil soup, one-pot meal, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, easy dinner