Hearty and Healthy: Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup Recipe
Lo and behold, my dearest friends! I bring to thee a recipe that is truly divine! As the chill of winter creeps up on us, there is nothing more satisfying than a steaming bowl of soup. And what better way to warm yourself up than with a hearty, nutritious Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup! This vegan and gluten-free soup is the perfect addition to your winter meal plan.
With only a handful of simple ingredients such as green lentils, sweet potato, carrot, celery, and kale, this soup is easy to make even for the novice cook. The use of vegetables not only amps up the flavor but also adds an incredible amount of essential vitamins and minerals to your diet.
This soup is perfect for those seeking a healthy and well-balanced meal that is kind to the body without compromising on taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an easy dinner recipe, this lentil soup will become a staple in your weekly meal routine.
So stop your search for the ultimate comfort food, grab your aprons, and join me on this culinary adventure. With this Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup recipe in hand, we shall conquer any cold day that comes our way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh sweet vegan lovers, I cannot express the delight that is to come when you try this chunky vegetable lentil soup. With every spoonful, your taste buds will dance with excitement and satisfaction. Why will you love this recipe, you ask? Let me tell you!
First, it’s gluten-free! For those with gluten sensitivities, you can enjoy every bite of this delicious soup without worrying about any negative effects on your health.
Second, it’s completely vegan! There are no animal products used in this recipe, making it a perfect choice for all plant-based eaters out there.
Thirdly, the anti-inflammatory properties of the ingredients, such as kale and garlic, will help your body feel rejuvenated and healthy.
Plus, this hearty lentil vegetable soup is low in calories while being high in fiber and protein. You won’t feel bloated or weighed down after eating this dish – instead, you’ll feel energized and satisfied.
The combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and lentils create a beautiful medley of flavors that you’ll crave even when it’s not soup season. The addition of paprika adds a touch of warmth that will comfort you from the inside out.
Lastly, this recipe is one-pot (or pan) and easy to make! No more dishes piling up in the sink. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this recipe – from its health benefits to its bold flavors to its ease of preparation. It’s perfect for every occasion!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup:
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup kale, chopped
Lentils:
- 2 cups green lentils, rinsed and drained
Liquid:
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste.
All of these ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Make sure to rinse your lentils before cooking them to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have been left over during the harvesting process.
The Recipe How-To
- Firstly, rinse and drain 1 cup of green lentils in a mesh strainer under running water.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add in 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 peeled and diced sweet potato to the pot. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounce) and a tablespoon of tomato paste, stir together with the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until it gets a bit jammy.
- Now is the time to add in all of the spices: 1 teaspoon of paprika, some freshly cracked black pepper, and a teaspoon of salt (or to taste). Stir them together until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the rinsed lentils into the pot along with 6 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Bring it to a boil and then reduce it to simmer by lowering it over medium-low heat.
- Let the soup simmer partially covered for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but still firm to bite.
- Add in chopped kale leaves (about 2 cups) to pot and continue simmering soup for another 7-10 minutes on low heat, so that greens are barely tender but still holding their shape.
And voilà! Our chunky vegetable lentil soup is ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! Oftentimes, one may be limited in ingredient options, or perhaps wishes to switch up the flavors of a traditional lentil soup. Fear not, for there are substitutions and variations aplenty!
For those who are sensitive to gluten, fear not! This soup is already gluten-free. However, if one desires to swap out lentils for another protein source, green lentils can easily be replaced with red lentils or even chickpeas. These options will give the soup a slightly different flavor profile, but remain just as hearty and flavorful.
Furthermore, for those seeking a lower calorie option, Amy’s Kitchen offers a reduced-sodium lentil soup that’s perfect for anyone embodying a minimalist baker ethos.
For the anti-inflammatory minded individual, consider adding turmeric and ginger to the sauteed onions and garlic. These spices provide a wealth of health benefits and add an exciting kick to the soup.
Lastly, feel free to add in extra veggies such as zucchini or broccoli to pump up the nutrient density. In fact, if one prefers a chunkier soup consistency, you can blend half of the soup for creaminess while leaving half chunky. That way, it will remain the best hearty lentil vegetable soup fit for any palate.
Say thee nay to limitations and let your taste buds soar with these various substitutions and variations.
Serving and Pairing
Hark, the time has come to enjoy thy hard work in the preparation of this delectable dish. This chunky vegetable lentil soup deserves to be relished with a fine pairing. Let us delve into the serving and pairing of this gluten-free, vegan delight.
Serving:
This hearty soup is a meal in itself! Serve it piping hot as a main course for lunch or dinner with some crusty bread on the side. I prefer a rustic sourdough loaf toasted to perfection and spread generously with vegan butter. You may also top your soup with some croutons or sprouted seeds for a crunchy texture.
Pairing:
The mix of vegetables, lentils, and spices in this soup will pair well with light-bodied but flavor-packed wines. A red blend such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah can match well with this dish, especially if you prefer a fuller-bodied wine. On the other hand, If thou wishest to settle on a white wine, a good Chardonnay can complement the creaminess of sweet potato quite nicely.
For non-alcoholic options, try sipping on a fruity Kale smoothie or refreshing Ginger beer. The tartness of berry smoothie or spiciness of ginger beer will balance out the heartiness of this soup perfectly.
I hope these suggestions aid thee in enjoying your chunky vegetable lentil soup to the fullest!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Good sirs and ladies, it is of utmost importance to know how to properly store leftovers of this delectable chunky vegetable lentil soup. Fear not, for I shall educate thee on the proper procedures.
Should there be any leftovers, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature, then transfer into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is recommended that you divide the soup into portions before storing so that reheating only what is needed can be done without affecting the quality.
To reheat this savory soup, gently warm it over medium heat until steaming hot. You may add a splash of water or vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. If using a microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel before heating on high power in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until hot.
Before serving, give it a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. The flavors tend to meld together after some time so you may find that it tastes even better than when it was first made.
In conclusion, proper storage and reheating are key to keeping this chunky vegetable lentil soup fresh-tasting and hearty for as long as possible. Be safe my friends, and enjoy every last spoonful!
Tips for Perfect Results
Friends, if you want to ensure optimal flavor and texture in your Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup, here are a few tips to follow!
– Start with high-quality ingredients: As they say, you get out what you put in. So use the best ingredients you can find; organic or farmer’s market veggies tend to have more flavor and nutrients.
– Do not overcook the lentils: Overcooking the lentils will result in mushy soup, and no one likes that! Test for doneness regularly and remove from the heat once tender.
– Adjust salt and spices: Remember that salt is essential to enhance the flavor of any dish; use it sparingly but adjust as needed. If the soup needs more depth or a smoky taste, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
– Let it simmer: The longer soup cooks at low heat, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. For even better results, make it ahead of time and let it sit overnight before reheating.
– Try different vegetables: This recipe is highly adaptable to whatever vegetables you prefer or wish to include based on what’s in season. Get creative and try different combinations!
– Serve with something hearty: As lentil soup is generally light, consider pairing it with something heartier like breadsticks, crusty bread or a side dish of sautéed mushrooms.
With these simple tips, I’m confident that you’ll achieve perfect results every time for this Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup recipe. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the details for making a delicious Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup, there’s no reason not to give it a try! With its anti-inflammatory properties, this hearty lentil soup is perfect for keeping you healthy and happy.
Not only is this recipe vegan and gluten-free, but it’s also packed with nutrients from all of the fresh vegetables and lentils. Whether you’re already plant-based or just trying to eat healthier, this soup is an excellent addition to your diet.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover why it’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. With its easy-to-follow instructions and variations, you can tailor the recipe to your liking and make it your own.
In conclusion, I hope that this recipe has inspired you to cook something delicious in your kitchen today. With its warm and comforting flavors, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy!
Chunky Vegetable Lentil Soup (Gluten-Free, Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 large sweet potato, diced (about 9 oz/250 g)
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried basil and 1/2 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 1/2 cups french green lentils, rinsed, soaked for 2 hours and drained
- 6 cups water (or vegetable soup stock)
- 1 canned crushed tomatoes (15 oz/425 g)
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil, add chopped onions and sauté until onions are translucent and soft.
- Add minced garlic and sauté 2 more minutes.
- Add celery, carrots, potato, kale, paprika and herbs and sauté for a few more minutes stirring frequently.
- Add lentils, water, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes (If you are using a pressure cooker, cook under pressure for 7 minutes and use a natural releasing method.).
- Add salt, infuse love and serve!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.