Vegan Lentil Soup

Vegan Lentil Soup
  • Author: Cookie and Kate

This hearty lentil soup is packed with flavorful ingredients like cumin, curry powder, and fresh greens, making it a comforting and nutritious option for any meal. The aromatic spices blend beautifully with the tender lentils and vegetables, creating a satisfying dish that is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing boost. Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful soup, topped with a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zesty touch.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed
  • Juice of ½ to 1 medium lemon, to taste

Instructions

  • Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. One-fourth cup olive oil may seem like a lot, but it adds a lovely richness and heartiness to this nutritious soup.
  • Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
  • Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  • Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Securely fasten the lid, protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. (Or, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.)
  • Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
  • Serve while hot. Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).

Comments

No comments found.

Cook Time

45M

Prep Time

PT10M

Yield

4 servings

Nutrition

  • Calories: 367 calories
  • Sugar Content: 10.8 g
  • Sodium Content: 1375.5 mg
  • Fat Content: 15.5 g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 2.2 g
  • Trans Fat Content: 0 g
  • Carbohydrate Content: 47.8 g
  • Fiber Content: 10.8 g
  • Protein Content: 14.5 g
  • Cholesterol Content: 0 mg