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Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup

This comforting lentil soup combines earthy brown lentils, sweet carrots, and fragrant spices simmered in vegetable broth to create a thick, nourishing dish. The soup develops a rich aroma as the lentils soften and the flavors meld, resulting in a velvety texture with tender ingredients and a vibrant, warm appearance. Perfect for cozy days, it offers a simple yet soulful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Global
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or preferred cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 carrots medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced crushed or finely chopped
  • 1.5 liters vegetable broth or water for a lighter flavor
  • 1 cup brown lentils rinsed well
  • 1 teaspoon cumin toasting briefly enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for smoky flavor
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens the soup before serving
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for finishing

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft, fragrant, and slightly caramelized around the edges.
  3. Add the minced garlic and toast for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook briefly until spices release their aroma.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the rinsed lentils to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the broth has thickened slightly.
  6. Check the lentils; they should be soft but not mushy, with a slightly thickened, fragrant broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky for more bite.
  8. Finish by drizzling with a little extra olive oil for richness and serving hot, with crusty bread if you like.

Notes

For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender. Adjust seasoning and acidity to taste before serving for a perfectly balanced flavor.