Winter Vegetable Lentil Soup (Printable version)

Hearty winter blend of lentils and seasonal vegetables, full of warming flavors and nutrients.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 1 small turnip, peeled and cubed
08 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
09 - 1 cup chopped kale or Swiss chard, stems removed

→ Legumes & Grains

10 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

→ Spices & Seasonings

13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1 tsp dried thyme
15 - 1 tsp ground cumin
16 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
17 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
18 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste

→ Finishing

19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
20 - Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic, diced carrots, parsnips, celery, turnip, and sweet potato, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes while stirring occasionally.
02 - Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine evenly.
03 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
04 - Stir in chopped kale or Swiss chard and continue simmering for 5 minutes until greens are wilted. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as preferred.
05 - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if using. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with fiber and protein from lentils and vegetables
  • Perfect for vegan and gluten-free diets
02 -
  • This soup contains no common allergens, but check labels on broth and canned tomatoes if sensitive.
  • It offers about 210 calories and 10 g protein per serving.
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil before serving for more richness.
  • Spinach or collard greens can be substituted for kale.
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