This vegetarian lentil soup is a warm, hearty dish made with nutritious lentils, carrots, celery, and spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for a healthy, filling meal.
I once added a splash of lemon juice at the end, and it made the flavors pop! It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.
If you want, top it with some chopped fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor—quick, tasty, and good for your body.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Brown or green lentils: I prefer brown lentils for their hearty texture. Rinse them well before cooking to remove debris. If you don’t have lentils, try split peas—they cook quickly and become soft, making a great substitute.
Vegetable broth: Using a good-quality broth adds depth to the soup. You can swap it for water plus a splash of soy or mushroom extract if needed. Homemade broth is even better if you have time to make your own!
Onions and garlic: These build the base flavor. I always chop them fine so they melt into the soup. If you don’t have garlic, garlic powder works in a pinch—just reduce the added salt slightly.
Carrots and celery: These give sweetness and crunch. Feel free to swap or add in other root veggies like parsnips or potatoes for variety and texture.
Spices (cumin, thyme): These warm up the flavor. Ground cumin adds a subtle earthiness, which I love. If you’re out, try paprika or a pinch of turmeric for flavor and color.
How do I cook lentils evenly without overcooking?
Rinse lentils well before cooking to remove dirt and excess starch. Use a 1:3 ratio of lentils to water or broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered. Check doneness after about 20–25 minutes—lents should be tender but not mushy.
- First, rinse lentils thoroughly—no need to soak.
- Use a consistent simmer, not a rapid boil, to avoid splitting the lentils.
- Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes; cook longer if needed, but keep an eye so they don’t become mushy.
How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 40 minutes. Total: 50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the onion and dice the carrots. Mince the garlic. This will take about 5 minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add Lentils and Spices
Stir in lentils, cumin, thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
4. Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Finish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Enjoy your hearty lentil soup!
