Basic Lentil Soup with Tasty Variations

If you appreciate the earthy flavor of lentils, this comforting vegan lentil soup is a classic way to use this nourishing legume. What’s great about this lentil soup is that it’s good in its basic form, and can also be varied in a number of tasty ways.

Lots of tasty variations on basic lentil soup

• Lentil Soup with Tiny Noodles: Cook 1 cup tiny shells or ditalini. Add to the soup once it’s cooked. Add more water if too thick, and taste to adjust seasonings.
• Lentil-Barley or Lentil-Rice Soup: Add 1/3  cup pearl barley or brown rice when adding the lentils along with an additional cup of water.
• Lentil & Vegan Hot Dog Soup: A retro classic brought up to date—add 4 to 6 thinly sliced vegan hot dog links to the soup at the end of its cooking time.
• Lentil & Vegan Sausage Soup: Sauté 2 or 3 links of plant-based sausage and stir into the soup once it’s done.
• Lentil & Potato or Sweet Potato Soup: Add 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, or 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced, in step 3. You’ll likely need an additional cup of water.
• Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Replace 2 cups of water with a 14-ounce can of light coconut milk. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of good curry powder, to taste, in step 3.

What to serve with lentil soup

This hearty soup can definitely be a main dish. Make it a soup-and-salad meal — any simple salad (or slaw) plus fresh bread.

Making this part of a soup-and-sandwich or soup-and-wraps meal works well, too. Try pairing this soup with Vegan Rarebit or a vegan grilled cheese sandwich. As for wraps, it’s delicious with Olive Hummus Wraps with Greens and Avocado.

How long does lentil soup last in the fridge or freezer?

Like any fresh soup, the sooner you eat it, the better. Leftovers can keep in the refrigerator, in a well-sealed container, for up to 5 days, though I’d say 3 days is optimal. If you store leftover lentil soup in a well-sealed container a day or two after making it, it will last in the freezer for 3 months.

Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.

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Yield: 6

Basic Lentil Soup with Tasty Variations

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If you appreciate the earthy flavor of lentils, this comforting vegan lentil soup is a classic way to use this nourishing legumes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium-large onion, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced about 1/4-inch thick
• 6 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
• 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (try fire-roasted or Italian-style)
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 2 teaspoons salt-free seasoning blend
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 2 bay leaves, optional
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, or as desired
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a small soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Add the garlic, celery, and carrots and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes longer.
3. Add the water along with the remaining ingredients except the salt and pepper. Bring to a slow boil, then lower the heat, cover, and simmer until the lentils and vegetables are done, about 30 to 40 minutes. 
4. Stir in the parsley, then add a bit more water if the soup is too dense, but let it stay nice and thick. Season with salt and pepper. If time allows, allow the soup to stand for an hour or more before serving to develop flavor. Heat through as needed before serving.

Notes

Variations

Lentil Soup with Tiny Noodles: Cook 1 cup tiny shells or ditalini. Add to the soup once it’s cooked. Add more water if too thick, and taste to adjust seasonings.

Lentil-Barley or Lentil-Rice Soup: Add 1/3  cup pearl barley or brown rice when adding the lentils along with an additional cup of water.

Lentil & Hot Dog Soup: A retro classic brought up to date—add 4 to 6 thinly sliced vegan hot dog links to the soup at the end of its cooking time.

Lentil & Sausage Soup: Sauté 2 or 3 links of vegan sausage and stir into the soup once it’s done.

Lentil & Potato or Sweet Potato Soup: Add 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced, or 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced, in step 3. You'll likely need an additional cup of water.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: Replace 2 cups of water with a 14-ounce can of light coconut milk. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of good curry powder, to taste, in step 3.

If you like this lentil soup, you might also enjoy …

Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup

Here are more delicious vegan soups & stews.