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This best lentil soup recipe (that’s how my boyfriend called it) is super comforting, hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. The stew is vegan, gluten-free, inexpensive, and made in one pot only. The recipe makes A LOT of soup but fortunately, it freezes well.
So, Christmas is in 5 days and everyone is posting their favorite Christmas cookie recipes. And I am like: “Guys, check out my Best Lentil Soup Recipe” haha. Well, sometimes you have to be a rebel, don’t you?! I mean, it’s not that this soup cannot be eaten on Christmas. In fact, it totally can be part of a delicious Christmas dinner. I really love how this recipe came out and my boyfriend was over the moon when he tried the soup. He said it was the best soup he ever ate.
I love lentils and I have posted a couple of lentil recipes before, like this 1-Pot Lentil Dal or this Lentil Stew With Mashed Potatoes or these Healthy Taco Cups Filled With Lentils or these Vegan Enchiladas with Lentils and this Potato Bake With Lentils. Lentils are simply amazing and so versatile. And I love the fact that you don’t need to soak them overnight like beans. They are quickly prepared and very good for us because they contain lots of healthy plant-based protein.
Quick, easy and inexpensive recipe
For this vegan lentil soup, I’ve used pantry ingredients which probably everyone has at home. Also, it took me just 45 minutes to cook this delicious dish. This soup is furthermore quite inexpensive. None of the ingredients cost a fortune, so if you are on a budget, this recipe is definitely for you.
Best One-Pot Lentil Soup
Talking about easy recipes. This lentil stew is very easy to prepare and you’ll need just one single large pot. How awesome is it to use only 1 pot. Less clean-up is always much appreciated. Be prepared that you’ll need a big pot though. I used the biggest one that we have because this recipe makes a lot of soup (about 6-8 servings). I must admit though that my boyfriend and I ate almost all of it on the first day. But like mentioned in other blog posts before, we eat a lot, haha.
This Lentil Soup is:
- Satisfying
- Flavorful
- Hearty
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Healthy
- Made in one pot
- Easy to make
- A great comfort meal
- Ready in 45 minutes
So much flavor
I don’t eat soups too often but when I do, I add lots of different spices. Eating a bland soup or stew is no fun, that’s why this lentil soup contains delicious spices which are flavorful and healthy. Bay leaves, cumin, and coriander are just some of them. Also, the fresh veggies like celery, cauliflower, and carrot add a nice flavor.
Freezer friendly recipe
This delicious soup freezes well. And like mentioned before this recipe makes A LOT OF SOUP. You can make it today and enjoy it whenever you want!
If you make this lentil soup and maybe even take a photo of it, then I would love to see it. You can DM it to me on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram caption + photo with @elavegan and use the hashtag #elavegan and I will gladly check out your post.
Best Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion (1 medium-sized) diced
- 3 big garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium head of (500 g) cauliflower chopped
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 3 cups (600 g) dried lentils brown or green, rinsed and drained
- 14 oz (400 g) tomatoes chopped
- 8 cups (2 liters) vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp brown sugar
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 cup (30 ml) coconut cream or dairy-free half and half (e.g. from SILK)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a LARGE pot over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 3 more minutes.
- Add all spices, the lentils, cauliflower, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Now add the bay leaves and cook the soup with a lid on for about 5 minutes.
- Then add the chopped tomatoes and stir. Let the soup simmer for a further 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked but not mushy.
- Finally, add the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and coconut cream.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy! Can be also served with rice or bread.
Notes
- The soup freezes well.
- Recipe serves 8. Nutrition facts are for one serving.
Nutrition information is an estimate and has been calculated automatically
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Just made this and it’s amazing! It made a lot and seems more then 8 servings in the pot. What do you consider a serving size for this recipe? Thank you in advance!
I am glad you liked it, Mina. I don’t remember the serving size, I assume about 2 cups.
Just beginning our vegetarian journey. We loved this soup! I spiced it up by increasing all of the spices and especially the red chili flakes. It was delicious!
Awesome, I am so glad you liked it, Christi. 🙂
Hello, if I wanted to add potatoes to this recipe, when would I have to do that? Thank you!
Add them with the lentils. 🙂
Hi Ela,
I have not yet done your lentil soup but sounds spectacular. If I wanted to add ham and the hambone should I add it when I add the water? or should I brine it first to add more depth of flavor, hopefully?
Thank you,
Marcey
I really enjoyed this dish, I had to sub grnd anise for grnd carroway and I was skeptical of the smell. Ultimately I love it, great dish, thanks!
Sounds delicious! Thanks for your great feedback, Adrian. 🙂
Easy, vegetarian & my German husband said it tasted like his Oma’s except without the meat. Winning!
Vielen Dank Ela!
That’s wonderful, Anna! Thanks so much for your feedback. 🙂
Loved this soup and I’m not even crazy about soup. Super filling, so yummy and low calories. 🙂
So glad you liked the recipe, Christina! 🙂
I love this soup so much! I’ve already made it 3x. And I always make double so o can freeze it. My kids love it too! thanks Ella and Erna!!
I am so glad you love the recipe, Laura! Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
Much love, Ela & Erna 😀
How do I unfreeze this! Do I leave it out or microwave it? Help! I’m in a pinch today.
Best is to unfreeze it overnight in the fridge! Or leave it out. 🙂
Name is adequate – this is certainly the best lentil soup I’ve ever had! Really easy to cook, and so delicious and healthy. Thank you for sharing! Also, thank you for always putting different measurements in your recipes (cups and grams), as a French living in the UK (used to grams rather than cups), it really makes it easier not to have to convert cups into grams all the time!! Sending my bests, M
So happy you loved the recipe! Thanks a lot for your wonderful feedback, Margot! 🙂
Hi Ela,
I would love to try and make this tomorrow! Please tell me do you use celery sticks or root? Thanks a lot!
Sticks! 🙂
This soup is awesome. It has so many of my favorite veggies that are healthy for mind and body. I must add that this one is nursing me through a cold that arrived timely for the weekend ._.
I hope you feel much better soon! 🙂
I made this tonight and even my 12 year old picky eater loved it! Easy to make and delish!
Awesome! So happy you and your 12-year old loved it. Thanks for your feedback, Emily! 🙂
That was so good!
Great! I am glad you like the soup. 🙂
Is it possible to make this in an instant pot?
I never tried it but I think it should work. 🙂
Didn’t have lentil so used split peas… It was soooo tasty! Thanks for this recipe as quick and easy as it is good!
Sounds great as well! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Hi Ela, how do you make your vegetable broth?
I often use store-bought vegetable broth as I don’t have time to make it myself. 🙂
This truly is the Best lentil soup. Made this for dinner and ate half by myself. Your recipes are always a hit Thank you
Thanks a million, Estella! I am so happy you love this lentil soup. 🙂
Thanks for the recipe. Its looks very delicious. I think lentil soup is the stand by vegan soup to me.
Thank you, Kelly! Yes, it’s especially enjoyable to eat lentil soup in winter. 🙂
I’ve been searching for a lentil soup with just the right combination of spices to mimic a hot bowl of lentil soup I once had at a Berlin Kneipe on a cold November night. This is it! Thank you so much!
That’s wonderful! Thanks for your great feedback, Tracy. 🙂
Oh my gosh Ela! This soup looks absolutely perfect for a crowd! And I have recently begun to really embrace lentils. I always feel so good after eating them. Thank you for another terrific recipe. Dee xx
Thank you, Dee! Yes, lentils are amazing and so good for us. 🙂
Sending you much love ❤️
This is, by far, the BEST VEGETARIAN SOUP I have EVER esten!!!!
Thank you, so much, for sharing it.
Aww, I am so glad you liked my lentil soup! Thanks so much for your awesome feedback, Naomi! 🙂