Lentil and Vegetable Soup (Printable Version)

Protein-packed lentils and caramelized roasted vegetables create a satisfying bowl of comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Lentils

01 - 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Broth & Seasoning

10 - 6 cups vegetable broth
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until lightly caramelized.
02 - Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
03 - Stir in the rinsed lentils, roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
04 - Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making it suitable for almost any guest.
  • Roasted Depth: By roasting the vegetables before simmering, you add a layer of caramelized flavor that conventional boiling can't replicate.
  • Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are simple staples like lentils, onions, and dried herbs, making it an easy dish to whip up anytime.
02 -
  • Texture Trick: If you prefer a thicker consistency, take a ladle of the soup, blend it until smooth, and stir it back into the pot.
  • Make Ahead: This soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together, making it perfect for meal prep.
  • Don't Forget the Lemon: The acid in the lemon juice is the secret ingredient that balances the savory elements and makes the vegetable flavors pop.
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