LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP
Lentil Vegetable Soup is a wholesome and fibre-rich dish that makes an excellent one-bowl meal, perfect for plant-based eaters or anyone seeking a nutritious lunch. With dry lentils simmered in flavourful vegetable broth and infused with earthy cumin, the soup becomes deeply satisfying and nourishing. A medley of carrots, celery and tomato offers a colourful base full of vitamins and natural sweetness, while a touch of olive oil adds richness. This single-serving recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customisable to suit different dietary needs and flavour profiles. Its warm spices and soft lentils are comforting without heaviness and the minimal ingredients allow the natural flavours to shine through. Enjoy it hot with a slice of bread or on its own as a balanced and hearty meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Fall
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan
DISH TYPE
Soup / Stew
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Lentil Vegetable Soup:
- ¼ cup dry lentils
- ½ cup mixed vegetables, diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 252.8 kcal
- Fat: 5.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrate: 38.6 g
- Sugar: 3.1 g
- Sodium: 214.2 mg
- Fiber: 7.7 g
- Protein: 14.1 g
- Calcium: 52.6 mg
- Iron: 4.4 mg
- Potassium: 582.7 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Lentil Vegetable Soup:
- Rinse Lentils: Rinse the dry lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove debris and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin and allow it to bloom for about 30 seconds, releasing its fragrance.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir gently to combine.
- Simmer The Soup: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and check the broth level.
- Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Once the lentils are cooked and the vegetables are tender, ladle them into a bowl and serve hot.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
30 minutes
TIPS
- Use Pre-Chopped Veggies: For quicker prep, use frozen mixed vegetables or pre-diced fresh vegetables.
- Soak Lentils For Faster Cooking: Soaking the lentils for 15 to 30 minutes beforehand can reduce cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
- Keep The Lid On: Keep the pot partially covered during simmering to retain moisture while allowing some steam to escape.
- Add More Broth If Needed: Lentils absorb liquid as they cook, so add extra broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
- Finish With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness just before serving.
VARIATIONS
- Spice Blend: Replace cumin with curry powder, turmeric or ras el hanout for a different flavour profile.
- Leafy Greens: Add spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrients.
- Creamy Option: Stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk at the end for a creamier consistency.
- Protein Boost: Add 1 to 2 tbsp of cooked quinoa or chickpeas for more protein and texture.
- Tomato Base: For a richer soup, add 2 tbsp of crushed or diced canned tomatoes with the broth.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over medium heat, adding broth as needed.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe pouches for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: This soup thickens upon storage, so keep extra broth or water on hand to thin it when reheating.
- Portion Control: Use silicone moulds or freezer jars to freeze single servings for easy, heat-and-eat meals.