Name: Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle-Eastern Inspired
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped.; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced.; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped.; 1 1/2 cups potatoes, cubed (4-5 small potatoes).; 2 carrots, peeled and cut into coins.; 1/2 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed.; 1/2 teaspoon thyme.; 1/2 teaspoon marjoram.; 6 cups vegetable stock.; 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese.; 2 tablespoons sour cream.; 2 tablespoons olive oil.; Salt and pepper to taste.

A close-up of a bowl of lentil soup with diced vegetables and a spoon resting inside, garnished with fresh herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

I've been making this Vegetarian Lentil Soup for years and it never fails to comfort and nourish. This beautiful blend of tender lentils fresh veggies and aromatic herbs creates something truly special. Every time I make it my kitchen fills with the most amazing scents bringing everyone to the table.

What Makes This Special

This soup has become my go to when I need something simple yet satisfying. Everything goes into one pot making cleanup a breeze. The flavors just get better overnight making it perfect for busy weeks when I need good food ready and waiting.

Everything You Need

Lentils: One cup brown green or red they're all lovely.
Onion: One medium diced it starts our flavor base.
Garlic: Three cloves minced or more I never count.
Celery: Two stalks diced small adds such nice flavor.
Potatoes: Two medium cubed they make it hearty.
Carrots: Two medium diced brings natural sweetness.
Veggie Broth: Six cups homemade if you have it.
Thyme: A teaspoon dried fresh works too.
Marjoram: Another teaspoon dried so fragrant.
Sour Cream: Half cup optional but lovely.
Cheddar: Half cup grated if you like.

Let's Make It Together

Start With Aromatics: Heat olive oil in your biggest pot sauté those onions and celery until soft about 5 minutes. Add garlic just until fragrant.
Build The Base: In go carrots potatoes lentils and broth plus our herbs. Let it all bubble then simmer until everything's tender about 30 minutes.
Make It Creamy: If you like stir in sour cream and cheese once it's cooled a bit. Makes everything extra special.
Perfect The Texture: I like blending just some of the soup makes it creamy but keeps some texture.
Final Touch: Season it well scatter fresh herbs on top ready to serve.

A close-up of a bowl of lentil soup with diced vegetables, garnished with herbs, alongside a spoon and a small plate of greens. | recipesbyclare.com

My Best Tips

Give those lentils a good rinse first gets rid of any dirt. Play with the texture add more broth if you like it thinner or blend some for extra creamy. A squeeze of citrus right before serving brightens everything up beautifully.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I toss in diced tomatoes for tang or warm spices like cumin and coriander. Adding handfuls of kale or spinach boosts nutrition. A bit of vegan sausage makes it extra hearty.

Keep It Fresh

Leftovers stay good in the fridge for three days in a sealed container. Want to freeze some? It keeps beautifully for three months. When reheating add a splash of broth if needed.

Perfect Partners

I love serving this with chunks of crusty bread warm naan or grilled cheese sandwiches. A simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side makes it feel complete.

A close-up of two bowls of hearty lentil soup garnished with parsley, accompanied by a small bowl of lentils and a piece of bread. | recipesbyclare.com

Why Lentils Are Magic

Lentils pack such amazing nutrition protein fiber vitamins they've got it all. They make the soup filling and give it that lovely earthy flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Sunday Prep Day

Make a big batch on Sunday and you're set for the week. Just warm up what you need each day. Makes busy weekday meals so much easier.

Plant Based Love

Skip the dairy use coconut cream or plant yogurt instead. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast gives that cheesy flavor keeping everything vegan friendly.

Power It Up

Want more protein? Toss in some chickpeas tofu or tempeh. Makes the soup even more filling perfect after a workout or busy day.

A close-up view of two bowls of lentil soup garnished with herbs and vegetables. | recipesbyclare.com

Spice It Your Way

Add chili flakes smoked paprika or hot sauce if you like it spicy. These warm spices make the soup even cozier on cold days.

Green Goodness

I love adding tender greens like spinach kale or chard at the end. Just let them wilt in the hot soup keeps their color bright and adds such nice nutrition.

Winter's Best Friend

There's something about this soup that makes winter better. Those warm lentils tender veggies and potatoes just comfort you from the inside out.

No Gluten Needed

This soup's naturally gluten free just check your broth and spices to be sure. Serve it with your favorite gluten free bread for a perfect meal.

A bowl of lentil soup with diced vegetables and herbs is displayed alongside a small bowl of coarse salt and scattered lentils on a textured surface. | recipesbyclare.com

Cook Once Eat Twice

Double everything portion it out and stock your fridge and freezer. Such a treat having healthy meals ready whenever hunger hits.

Make It Pretty

Top each bowl with fresh herbs plant yogurt maybe some crunchy seeds or croutons. A drizzle of good olive oil makes everything extra special.

Everyone's Favorite

This soup's perfect for family dinners potlucks any gathering really. Something about its rich flavors just brings people together.

Good Any Time

While it's perfect for winter this soup works year round. Add fresh summer veggies when it's warm or enjoy it as is on rainy spring nights.

A bowl of lentil soup with chunks of vegetables and herbs, accompanied by a small bowl of lentils and a spoon. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make this soup vegan?: Skip the sour cream and use vegan cheese alternatives. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.
→ Why do I need to rinse the lentils?: Lentils often have dirt or debris. Rinsing them before cooking ensures a clean soup and better texture.
→ Can I make this in an Instant Pot?: Yes, use the saute function for vegetables, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with natural release for 5 minutes. Use 3.5 cups broth instead of 6.
→ How can I adjust the consistency?: Add more broth for thinner soup, or blend some portion for creamier texture. You can blend just a quarter or all of it depending on preference.
→ What type of cheese works best?: Cheddar or parmesan work well, just ensure it's rennet-free for vegetarian compliance. Vegan cheese can also be used.

Vegetarian Lentil Soup