Warm up your soul with a bowl of hearty Vegan Lentil Soup (Sopa de Lentejas), a delightful dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also brimming with nutrition! This Latin American classic is perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal that won't weigh you down. With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of simmering magic, you’ll have a wholesome soup that serves four and leaves you craving more. Dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will have your taste buds dancing and your kitchen filled with enticing aromas. Ready to discover how to make this delicious vegan delight? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rinsed lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils and thyme, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that all the lentils and vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- After the lentils are cooked, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or transfer a portion to a blender and puree before returning it to the pot.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the vegan lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any debris or dust. This simple step ensures a cleaner soup and enhances the flavor.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant adds depth to your soup, making it even more delicious.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. The beauty of this soup is its versatility!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or blend a portion for a creamier texture. For a brothier soup, simply add more vegetable broth.
- Season to Taste: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness that enhances the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Make it Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
