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Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

This warm and comforting Vegetarian Lentil Soup combines hearty lentils, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered in flavorful vegetable stock. Enhanced with a touch of cheddar and sour cream for creaminess, it’s a nourishing, protein-packed meal perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (around 4–5 small potatoes)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins

Herbs and Seasoning

  • Pinch of salt (adjust according to veggie broth saltiness)
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp marjoram

Legumes and Liquids

  • ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable stock

Dairy

  • ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Other

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until the garlic becomes translucent and the mixture softens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes and carrots: Stir in the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots. Season lightly with a pinch of salt, considering the saltiness of your vegetable broth. Fry the vegetables for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  3. Add lentils and herbs: Pour in the rinsed lentils, thyme, marjoram, and vegetable stock. Stir well, then cover the pan with a lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Cool slightly and add cheese: Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated.
  5. Incorporate sour cream: Remove about ¼ cup of soup liquid without vegetables into a small bowl, dissolve the sour cream into it, then stir this mixture back into the soup for added creaminess.
  6. Optional blending: For a creamier texture, use a stick blender to blend approximately one-quarter of the soup, then mix it back in evenly.
  7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust salt carefully depending on how salty your vegetable broth is to avoid over-seasoning.
  • Do not overcook the lentils; they should be soft but not mushy for the best texture.
  • The addition of cheddar and sour cream adds a creamy richness, but you can omit these for a vegan option.
  • Blending part of the soup enhances creaminess without losing the chunky vegetable texture.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a great garnish to add freshness.

Keywords: vegetarian lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, healthy vegetarian soup, easy lentil soup, vegetable soup with lentils

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/vegetarian-lentil-soup-recipe/