Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

2 servings
This is the best lentil soup to make on a chilly day. It’s packed with flavor, and the whole family will love it. It’s an easy base made with simple ingredients on which to build and add to and will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

  • onion

    *chopped

    1
  • garlic cloves

    *finely chopped or minced

    3
  • celery

    *finely chopped

    2 stalk
  • potatoes

    = around 4-5 small potatoes

    1 ½ c
  • carrots

    *peeled + chopped into coins

    2
  • salt

    how much depends on how salted your veggie broth is

    1 pinch
  • dry green or brown lentils

    *rinsed

    ½ c
  • thyme
    ½ tsp
  • marjoram
    ½ tsp
  • vegetable stock
    6 c
  • cheddar

    *see notes

    ⅓ c
  • sour cream
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan (with a lid) over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and celery and saute until garlic is translucent and soft.

  2. 2

    Add the cubed potatoes, carrots and season with a pinch of salt (the amount will depend on how salted your veggie broth is). Fry for about 1-2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the lentils, thyme, marjoram and veggie broth. Cover the pan with a lid and bring the mix to a boil. Then reduce heat and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until lentils are soft but not mushy. (see notes).

  4. 4

    Take the soup from the heat and let the soup cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese.

  5. 5

    Take out ¼ cup of the soup (without any veggies) and add it to a small bowl. Dissolve sour cream and add the mix back to the soup.

  6. 6

    For a creamier soup, blend about 1/4 of it with a stick blender (optional).

  7. 7

    Taste and season with salt and black pepper. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

40 min2 servings478 cal

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About this Recipe

The Best Vegetarian Lentil Soup for Chilly Days

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill, and this Vegetarian Lentil Soup recipe is truly the best for it! Packed with earthy flavors, hearty lentils, and tender vegetables, this soup is designed to warm you from the inside out. It's an incredibly easy base made with simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will adore. From the moment the aromatic vegetables begin to sauté to the final swirl of sour cream and cheddar, you'll know you're in for a treat.

This Vegetarian Lentil Soup stands out for its deep, satisfying flavor profile. We start with a classic mirepoix of onion, celery, and carrots, slow-cooked with fragrant garlic, which builds a robust foundation. Green or brown lentils add a wonderful texture and protein boost, while potatoes make it extra comforting and substantial. Seasoned simply with thyme and marjoram, every spoonful brings a taste of wholesome goodness. And the best part? It's ready in just 40 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep time!

Tips & Variations for Your Perfect Bowl

  • Boost the Veggies: Feel free to add more of your favorite vegetables like spinach, kale (stirred in at the end), or diced zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Spice It Up: For an extra layer of warmth, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cumin, or a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes with your herbs.
  • Make it Vegan: To transform this into a vegan lentil soup, simply omit the shredded cheddar and sour cream, or substitute them with plant-based alternatives. A swirl of coconut milk can also add a lovely creaminess.
  • Serving Suggestions: This hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions