Name: Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 large carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 1½ cups dried green or brown lentils (rinsed); 3 medium potatoes (diced); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices); 8 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup is the perfect dish for those chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Lentils provide protein and fiber, while potatoes add heartiness. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be a complete meal on its own!

How to Make Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 large carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
1½ cups dried green or brown lentils (rinsed)
3 medium potatoes (diced)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
8 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Add Greens (Optional)
If you like, add the spinach or kale to the pot in the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the greens are wilted.

Step 5: Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

How to Serve Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy it as a nourishing lunch or dinner option!

How to Store Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over medium heat.

Tips to Make Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Make sure to rinse lentils before adding them to the soup to remove any dust or debris.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.

Variation

You can swap the spices for your favorites or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Is this soup vegan?
Yes! This soup is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and doesn’t contain any animal products.

Can I use canned lentils?
You can use canned lentils to save time, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Add them in the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Enjoy this comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful!