Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup is a nutritious and filling dish packed with protein-rich lentils and a variety of vegetables. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 1 zucchini (diced)
• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups spinach or kale (roughly chopped)
• Juice of 1 lemon (for added brightness)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-40 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Remaining Vegetables

1. Incorporate Veggies: Add the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Lentils and Liquids

1. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

1. Stir in Greens: Add the chopped spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
2. Add Lemon Juice: Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice for added brightness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	10g
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	12g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Protein: Incorporate cooked sausage, chicken, or tofu for a heartier soup.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, or corn.

Conclusion

Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup is a wholesome and satisfying dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This versatile soup is perfect for meal prep and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful recipe!