Name: Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ⅔ cup lentils, soaked; ½ onion, chopped; 2 scallions, chopped; 1 bunch parsley, thinly chopped; 1 cup kale, chopped; ½ cup cabbage, chopped; ⅔ cup broccoli, chopped; 1 tsp crushed red pepper; 1 grated tomato; 1 grated red pepper; 1 grated carrot; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 1 tsp dried mint; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups water; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 mushroom, chopped

Why Make This Recipe

Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal. It is packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lentils, making it a great way to nourish your body. This soup is not only fulfilling but also very simple to prepare, which makes it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients you likely have at home.

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How to Make Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

⅔ cup lentils, soaked
½ onion, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
1 bunch parsley, thinly chopped
1 cup kale, chopped
½ cup cabbage, chopped
⅔ cup broccoli, chopped
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 grated tomato
1 grated red pepper
1 grated carrot
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp dried mint
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups water
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 mushroom, chopped

Directions:

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Next, stir in the grated red pepper, tomato, grated ginger, and grated carrot. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies are softened.
Now, add the chopped cabbage, soaked lentils, crushed red pepper, and dried mint. Sprinkle in a generous amount of salt. Pour in the three cups of water and give everything a good stir.
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Add in the chopped broccoli, kale, scallions, and chopped mushroom. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Finally, take the soup off the heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. Add black pepper to taste before serving.

How to Serve Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup

Serve the Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup hot in bowls. You can garnish each bowl with extra parsley or a splash of olive oil for added flavor. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad, making it a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup

To store leftover soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. It will last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup

Make sure to soak the lentils ahead of time to reduce cooking time.
Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
If you like a creamier soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender before serving.

Variation

You can make this soup vegan by omitting any non-vegan ingredients and ensure all your vegetables are plant-based. Additionally, you can adjust the levels of spices according to your taste, making it more or less spicy as desired.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried lentils instead of soaked?
A: Yes, you can use dried lentils directly, but the cooking time will be longer. Expect around 30-40 minutes for them to become tender.

Q: What can I substitute for lentils?
A: You can use other legumes like split peas or beans, but the cooking time will vary depending on what you choose.

Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet.