Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
Introduction
This nourishing vegan lentil soup is simple, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic source of plant-based protein and perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (added at the end)
Instructions
- Step 1: In the crockpot, combine lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 4: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale until wilted.
- Step 5: Serve warm with crusty bread or on its own.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding to the crockpot.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Use red lentils for a creamier texture, adjusting the cooking time as red lentils cook faster.
- Swap spinach or kale for Swiss chard or collard greens for a different flavor.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, combine all ingredients except the greens in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 45 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add greens in the last 5 minutes.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this lentil soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and serve with gluten-free bread or on its own.
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Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty and flavorful Vegan Lentil Soup is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and comforting meal. Prepared in a slow cooker, it blends tender lentils with aromatic herbs and leafy greens for a perfect year-round dish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Greens
- 2 cups spinach or kale (added at the end)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, add the rinsed lentils, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the lentils and vegetables are fully tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add Greens: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale. Allow it to wilt gently in the heat of the soup without overcooking, preserving its bright color and nutrients.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm, either on its own or accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa depending on your preference.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end of cooking.
- If using canned lentils, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- For a chunkier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan lentil soup, lentil soup, vegan soup, slow cooker soup, healthy soup, plant-based protein, easy vegan meal
