Easy Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe

Vegan lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy hearty meals without the use of meat or dairy products. This dish not only provides great flavor but also offers numerous health benefits, including high fiber content that supports digestive health and aids in weight management.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 generous portions

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, along with the minced garlic. Stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes until all vegetables are slightly softened but not browned.

Next, stir in the lentils, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to cook for about 5 more minutes stirring occasionally so that everything is well combined.

Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it up to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer gently for around 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir frequently to ensure no stickiness forms at the bottom of your pot while cooking.

Once the soup has reached desired thickness and texture, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor if preferred.

Nutritional Information:

This recipe makes six servings and typically contains about 160 calories per serving depending on the amount eaten. It’s low in fat but rich in complex carbohydrates from the lentils, along with vitamins A & C from carrots and celery. The soup can be made even healthier by adding more greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking time.

Lentil soup is not just a meal; it's an art form when done right. With its simplicity yet depth in flavor, this dish leaves you feeling satisfied after every spoonful. Whether served as part of a balanced diet plan or enjoyed independently as comfort food during colder months, vegan lentil soup offers wholesome satisfaction.

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