Are you a fan of vegetarian soups that are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients? If so, I’m here to share this recipe for Easy Loaded Veggie Lentil Soup. As someone who is passionate about exploring different vegetable soup recipes, including creamy red lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, and simple blended lentil soup, I can confidently say that this one is really delicious.
Loaded with Veggies
There’s something great about the combination of fresh vegetables, including sweet onion, celery, carrot, red bell pepper, fresh spinach and carrots, along with hearty lentils such as green lentils, red lentils, yellow lentils, and brown lentils (I like to use green lentils for this recipe). These legumes are not only a great source of plant-based protein but are also rich in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. They add a satisfying heartiness to the soup, making it a filling and wholesome meal option.
To enhance the flavors, we’ll be using a variety of spices, such as paprika, dried basil, and garlic powder, These spices infuse this delicious soup with a warm and comforting aroma, making it perfect to serve on a chilly day.
Ways to Make the Soup
I usually make this recipe on the stove, but to make this recipe even easier, you can use an instant pot or pressure cooker. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and spices on medium heat, then add the lentils, cups of broth, and any additional ingredients like tomato paste. Cook on high pressure for a specified amount of time, then use the quick release function to open the pot. For a creamy broth, you can use a food processor, immersion blender, or hand blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Garnishing
For an extra burst of flavor and a touch of brightness, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the soup just before serving. The citrusy tang of the juice adds a refreshing element that beautifully complements the rich and savory flavors of the soup. It not only enhances the taste but also adds a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
To take your presentation and flavor up a notch, garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The green leaves not only add a nice visual touch but also add that bit of freshness, which helps cut down the heaviness of the soup. The aromatic essence of the herbs elevates the overall taste experience, making it even more delightful.
For an additional burst of citrusy aroma and flavor you can use a few simple ingredients. Consider sprinkling a touch of lemon zest over the soup. The zest, which contains the flavorful oils from the citrus peel, adds a zingy and fragrant element that enhances the overall taste profile. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the dish and create different flavors.
Make it Your Own
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme, or even add a pinch of your favorite spice blend to create a unique flavor twist. The possibilities are endless, and you have the freedom to tailor the soup to your liking.
The best part is that this easy lentil soup can be enjoyed as a main course or served with a side of crusty bread. It’s a great way to incorporate plant-based protein into your daily meals and can be enjoyed on a daily basis. The lentil soup freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store it in an airtight container for future meals.
By having a batch of this soup on hand in the freezer, you can easily incorporate it into your weekly meal planning. It’s a convenient and time-saving option that ensures you always have a nourishing and flavorful meal ready to go. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this easy lentil soup is a great choice.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and discover how to make this easy and loaded veggie lentil soup. Get ready to a cozy soup of pure comfort and nourishment that will surely become a favorite in your collection of vegetarian soup recipes.
Loaded Veggie Lentil Soup Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1, 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green lentils
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat and add the oil. Once heated, add the onion, celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté until mostly tender, about 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Saute another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes in their liquid, the lentils, and broth and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer until the lentils are just tender, about 40-50 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and simmer for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy!
Easy Loaded Veggie Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green lentils
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium high heat and add the oil. Once heated, add the onion, celery, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté until mostly tender, about 7 minutes.
- Add the garlic, spices, and tomato paste. Saute another 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes in their liquid, the lentils, and broth and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer until the lentils are just tender, about 40-50 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and simmer for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy!
