Winter Vegetable Lentil Soup (Printable version)

A comforting blend of winter vegetables and lentils, perfect for cozy meals during cold weather.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
05 - 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 1 small turnip, peeled and cubed
08 - 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
09 - 1 cup chopped kale or Swiss chard, stems removed

→ Legumes & Grains

10 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice

→ Spices & Seasonings

13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
16 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
18 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Finishing

19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
20 - Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

# Steps to follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, turnip, and sweet potato. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in kale or Swiss chard and continue to simmer for 5 minutes until wilted.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if using.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Full of nutritious vegetables and lentils for plant-based protein
  • Easy to make in one pot and perfect for chilly nights
02 -
  • This soup is vegan and gluten-free so it suits many dietary needs
  • Lentils provide a complete protein when paired with grains like bread
03 -
  • Add a tablespoon of olive oil before serving for extra richness
  • Try swapping kale for spinach or collard greens if that's what you have
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