Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Introduction: A Gentle Recipe for Body & Soul

Ah, dear friend, as the tender warmth of the sun caresses our skin, we know it is time for something nourishing and wholesome. Cooking can be a beautiful ritual, a moment where we gather our thoughts and prepare meals filled with love and care. Today, I invite you to embrace the calmness of creation with my beloved Vegetarian Lentil Soup. This simple recipe is not just about feeding our bodies; it bathes our souls in comfort and warmth, turning every bite into a soothing embrace.

Why This Vegetarian Lentil Soup Brings Comfort and Nourishment

Life can often feel overwhelming, but with this soul-nurturing soup, we can carve out a moment of peace. Each ingredient is chosen not only for its flavor but for its healing properties. Lentils, rich in protein and fiber, symbolize strength and resilience. Potatoes and carrots bring their natural sweetness, reminding us of the joy in simplicity. Together, they form a beautiful symphony to nourish our hearts, especially when life’s storms pull at our seams.

Step By Step How to Prepare Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Let us begin this gentle journey together, hand in hand. First, in a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let the oil warm like a gentle sun on a spring morning.

Now, add in the onion, garlic, and celery. As they sauté and fill your kitchen with their fragrant whispers, stir until the garlic becomes translucent and soft, allowing the aroma to cradle your heart.

Next, add the cubed potatoes and coins of carrot, seasoning with a pinch of salt—which will depend on the salt in your vegetable broth. Allow these treasures to mingle and fry for about 1-2 minutes, welcoming the vibrant colors of nature.

Now, it’s time for the lentils to join the gathering. Add them along with thyme and marjoram, and then pour in 6 cups of vegetable stock. Cover the pan with a lid and bring this warm blend to a gentle boil. Once it bubbles softly, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender yet hold their shape.

With patience, take the soup from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. As you do, stir in ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the warmth, enriching the symphony of flavors.

For an extra touch of creaminess, take out ¼ cup of the soup (without the veggies) and mix it with 2 tablespoons of sour cream in a small bowl. Once blended, return it back to the pot.

If you prefer a smoother texture, you may gently blend about ¼ of the soup with a stick blender. Taste and season lovingly with salt and black pepper to your liking.

At last, serve this nurturing creation, garnished with fresh herbs—a testament to both your care and nature’s bounty.

Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is your gentle list of ingredients, each with its own purpose:

• 1 onion (*chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (*finely chopped or minced)
• 2 stalks celery (*finely chopped)
• 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (approximately 4-5 small potatoes)
• 2 carrots (*peeled + chopped into coins)
• pinch of salt (adjust based on your veggie broth)
• ½ cup dry green or brown lentils (*rinsed)
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ tsp marjoram
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• ⅓ cup shredded cheddar (*see notes)
• 2 tbsp sour cream

How to Serve Vegetarian Lentil Soup with Intention

As you lay out bowls of this precious soup, take a moment to set an intention. Perhaps you wish for warmth in your family’s hearts, or comfort for a friend. Whatever it may be, let that blessing flow into the serving.

Accompany the soup with some crusty bread, if you wish, and watch as the simple act of sharing brings everyone closer, wrapping them in your love through each spoonful.

How to Store Vegetarian Lentil Soup the Right Way

Should there be any soup left, fear not, dear friend. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This humble soup can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Heat it gently on the stove, and it will share its warmth with you anew.

Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips

• Balance Is Key: Taste your soup before serving to ensure a delightful balance of flavors. You may wish to adjust seasoning to your palate.
• Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor and health benefits.
• Mindful Cooking: Take your time. Each chop, stir, and simmer is a moment of care for yourself and those you love.

Peaceful Variations to Explore

Feel free to make this recipe your own. You can swap the lentils for split peas, or add leafy greens like kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients. Perhaps a dash of lemon juice before serving, to elevate and brighten the flavors of your creation.

Discover More Nourishing Recipes

Head over to our Recipe Trends page and uncover a world of fresh, plant-forward ideas that fit right into your daily routine. From vibrant seasonal flavors to calming, wholesome dishes, each recipe is designed to spark inspiration and bring a sense of balance to your kitchen. Find comfort, joy, and connection in every meal while exploring what’s trending right now.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup

A gentle and nourishing soup filled with lentils, vegetables, and love, perfect for warming your soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegetarian

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Vegetables

• 1 piece onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1.5 cups cubed potatoes (approximately 4-5 small potatoes)
• 2 pieces carrots, peeled and chopped into coins

Lentils and Seasoning

• 1/2 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
• pinch salt (adjust based on your veggie broth)

Liquid Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable stock

Finishing Touches

• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar See notes
• 2 tablespoons sour cream

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and celery. Stir until garlic becomes translucent and soft.
3. Add cubed potatoes and chopped carrots, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Fry for about 1-2 minutes.

Cooking

1. Add lentils, thyme, and marjoram, then pour in vegetable stock.
2. Cover and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
4. For creaminess, mix ¼ cup of soup (without veggies) with sour cream, blend, and return to pot.
5. Blend about ¼ of the soup if a smoother texture is preferred. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving

1. Serve garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by crusty bread if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5g

Notes

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for three months. Gently reheat on the stove.

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Common Questions About Vegetarian Lentil Soup

May this Vegetarian Lentil Soup be a soothing balm for your spirit and a nourishing hug to your body. Happy cooking, dear friend, and may your kitchen be ever filled with warmth and love.