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Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup garnished with parsley and lemon slices in a ceramic bowl

Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup 


  • Author: Omar
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup is a bright, cozy, and nourishing soup made with red lentils, vegetables, warm spices, and fresh lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for easy lunches or weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced

  • 2 stalks celery, chopped

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 6 cups vegetable stock

  • 1½ cups red lentils

  • 2 bay leaves

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 5 tablespoons)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • Optional: spinach or kale

  • To serve: fresh parsley or cilantro


Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

  3. Pour in vegetable stock, then add lentils, bay leaves, turmeric, and cumin. Stir well.

  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until lentils are soft.

  5. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

  6. Transfer 2 cups of soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot and stir to combine.

  7. Add spinach or kale if using and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.

  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with fresh herbs.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freeze for up to 6 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Red lentils work best, but other lentils can be substituted with slight texture changes.

For canned lentils, use 2 drained cans and shorten simmer time.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 138 kcal
  • Sugar: 8.8 g
  • Sodium: 1206 mg
  • Fat: 9.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64.6 g
  • Fiber: 10.8 g
  • Protein: 18.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg