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Close-up of steaming Classic Vegan Lentil Soup with chunks of sweet potato and wilted spinach.

Classic Vegan Lentil Soup


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A warm, rustic, and hearty vegan lentil soup made with simple ingredients, perfect for cozy family meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 6–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, thyme/oregano, and turmeric. Stir and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well. Pour in the vegetable broth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils become tender. Adjust liquid if needed by simmering uncovered to reduce or adding broth/water. Taste and adjust salt.
  5. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted (1–2 minutes). Add lemon juice.
  6. Ladle into bowls and finish with fresh parsley or cilantro and cracked black pepper.

Notes

  • Brown lentils result in a more tender and earthy soup, while green lentils maintain a firmer texture.
  • This soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth or water when reheating if necessary.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 7
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 48
  • Fiber: 18
  • Protein: 18
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: Classic Vegan Lentil Soup, Winter Soup Recipes, Fall Soup Recipes, Crockpot Soup Recipes, Healthy Soup Recipes, Comfort Soup Recipes, Soup Ideas, one-pot soup