Hearty Veggie Lentil Soup (Comforting & Healthy)
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
👩🍳 Instructions
Sauté the veggies:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Add garlic & zucchini:
Stir in garlic and zucchini. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lentils & seasonings:
Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Pour broth & simmer:
Add vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Finish:
Stir in spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice if using.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with crusty bread.
Hearty Veggie Lentil Soup
