Veggie Lentil Soup (Hearty & Healthy)
A cozy, protein-packed soup loaded with vegetables and warming spices — perfect for any day of the week!
Ingredients
1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt & black pepper to taste
1–2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Sauté the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Lentils & Seasoning
Add lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Finish
Remove bay leaf.
Stir in spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Add lemon juice if using.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.