Go Back
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown) - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, chopped - 2 celery stalks, chopped - 1 medium potato, diced - 1 medium zucchini, chopped - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Embrace the chilly months with a bowl of Warm & Cozy Lentil Delight Soup. This healthy and hearty recipe combines nutrient-rich lentils with a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, creating a comforting dish suitable for everyone. Packed with flavor and health benefits, it's easy to prepare and perfect for your winter meal rotation. Enjoy it warm, served with crusty bread, and let the rich aroma fill your kitchen as you gather around the table with loved ones.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium potato, diced

1 zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, chopped

6 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp ground cumin

1 bay leaf

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and potato. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

      Incorporate Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Stir to mix all the ingredients well.

        Season the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the canned tomatoes (with juice), dried thyme, ground cumin, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine all flavors.

          Simmer: Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.

            Final Touches: After simmering, remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup, or simply mash some of the lentils with the back of a spoon.

              Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy warm!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6