Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Full Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Shopping List
- Produce: 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 2 cups fresh spinach, fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Pantry: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 cup brown or green lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, salt, black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations & Serving Ideas
This wholesome Lentil Vegetable Soup stands proudly as a complete meal on its own, offering warmth and satiety. For a truly delightful experience, serve it alongside a slice of warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last drop, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort pairing. To elevate its presentation, ladle the steaming soup into a beautiful ceramic bowl, drizzle with a touch of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley or cilantro. Any delicious leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, and it freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making it an excellent candidate for convenient meal prep on busy days.
I sincerely hope this Easy Lentil Vegetable Soup brings a burst of flavor and a comforting embrace to your kitchen! It’s truly a recipe born from a love for wholesome, simple cooking that nourishes the body and soul. Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below if you try this Lentejas Receta – I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking, and enjoy every heartwarming spoonful! #LentilSoupRecipeEasy #LentilSoupRecipe #HowToMakeLentils #LentilVegetableSoup #LentejasReceta #LentilSoupRecipes #TastyVegetarianRecipes #LentilRecipes #VeganSoup