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    Home » Soups/Stews

    Easy Vegan Lentil Veggie Soup

    Published: September 12, 2021 | 4:10 pm, Modified: Apr 25, 2022 by Connie Edwards McGaughy This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Easy Vegan Lentil Veggie Soup 🌱A simply delicious & satisfying one-pot soup made of lentils, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and celery simmered in vegetable broth. This healthy vegan recipe is high in nutrition, low in calories, easy to prepare, budget-friendly & very versatile. Oil-free and GF.

    A bowl of easy vegan lentil veggie soup with green lentils, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and celery, garnished with a drizzle of plain vegan yogurt and lemon wedges.

    This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from purchases at no additional cost to you.

    Every home cook should have a few basic go-to recipes when they need to whip up something filling and delicious in a pinch. This easy lentil vegetable soup recipe is one of those. It's everything I want in a simple dish that can be thrown together in minutes and enjoyed for days or served to a crowd.

    Lentils provide a protein-rich, hearty and chewy texture that can transform a simple soup into a main dish. If you enjoy lentils, you should check out our vegan recipe for Shepherd's (aka Gardener's) Pie.

    Why we love this recipe

    • it's delicious, nutritious and super satisfying
    • low in calories and no added oil
    • budget-friendly
    • very versatile - create unlimited variations from this one basic recipe
    • gluten-free
    • one batch makes about 4 quarts of soup
    • just a few basic ingredients
    • ready in less than an hour!
    A bowl of easy vegan lentil veggie soup garnished with plain vegan yogurt and lemon wedges.
    Jump to:
    • Why we love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • 🥕Cooking Tip
    • 🥕Serving Tip
    • Equipment
    • 🥕FAQ's
    • Recipe
    • Food safety

    Here's everything you need, to know how to make vegan lentil soup!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for vegan lentil soup, including lentils, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, broth, salt and pepper.
    • Lentils - I prefer organic brown or green lentils. I used green lentils in this recipe.
    • Mixed vegetables - I like the convenience of frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower, but you can substitute with any variety of frozen mixed veggies or, of course, you can use fresh vegetables too.
    • Celery - fresh
    • Vegetable broth - homemade or store-bought vegan broth or bouillon. (Make sure to use gluten-free if needed).
    • Salt & pepper
    • Fresh lemon - optional
    • Plain vegan yogurt - optional. Be sure to use unsweetened yogurt. I like Kite Hill.

    🥕See the printable recipe card below for quantities & details.

    Instructions

    Green lentils in a strainer, being rinsed with water.

    Thoroughly rinse uncooked lentils with water. Drain well.

    🥕Cooking Tip

    Don't add salt to the water while the lentils are cooking. It will make them tough.

    Pour lentils into a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer about 15-20 minutes.

    Uncooked lentils in a pot, covered in water.
    Lentils simmering in water.

    Lentils are ready when they're tender but not mushy. Add vegetable broth, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Stir in salt & pepper. Continue simmering until veggies are tender (about 15 minutes).

    Cooked lentils inside a pot.
    Celery, broccoli, cauliflower and lentils in a pot.

    Remove soup from heat and serve!

    A pot filled with hot vegan lentil veggie soup.

    🥕Serving Tip

    A drizzle of plain vegan yogurt and lemon wedges provide a refreshing bright contrast to the mellow and nutty flavors of the lentils & veggies.

    A bowl of easy lentil veggie soup (vegan).

    What are lentils?

    Lentils - like beans and peas - are legumes, and grow in pods. Lentils are considered a healthy substitute for meat because they're high in protein and fiber and low in fat. They also contain other essential nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, potassium and folate. Learn more here.

    You can purchase lentils dried or precooked in cans or pouches and will find them in several varieties, usually described by color.

    • Green lentils - also known as French lentils, have a subtle nutty flavor and stay fairly firm when cooked. Green lentils are a good choice for salads and soups.
    • Brown lentils - hold their texture if not over-cooked. Brown lentils are popular in vegan burgers and in soups. They're also the least expensive variety of lentil.
    • Black lentils - also known as Beluga lentils, are similar in texture to green lentils but are black in color.
    • Red lentils - are the fastest cooking lentils and get quite soft when cooked. Red lentils are commonly used in purees and Indian dals.
    • Yellow lentils - are similar to red lentils, with a slightly sweet taste. Yellow lentils are a bright yellow color.

    🥕Variations

    Once you see how simple it is to prepare a pot of delicious, basic lentil soup, you can let your imagination run wild using a variety of ingredients. For example:

    • Mexican Lentil Soup - use brown lentils, add black beans, sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, corn, peppers, chili lime seasoning. Garnish with vegan sour cream, a sprig of cilantro or avocado.
    • Curry Lentil Stew - use yellow or red lentils, add curry powder, coconut milk, diced potato, chickpeas, or green peas.
    • Sweet Potato Lentil Soup - add diced sweet potatoes, fresh herbs, chopped kale.
    • Mediterranean Lentil Soup - use green lentils, sundried tomatoes, cannellini beans and fresh basil.
    A dutch oven filled with easy lentil veggie soup (vegan).

    Equipment

    You only need a few basic kitchen items to create this recipe.

    • 6 quart stovetop pot
    • Measuring cup
    • Measuring spoons
    • Strainer
    • Kitchen knife
    • Cutting board
    • Long spoon for stirring
    A bowl filled with vegan lentil veggie soup.

    🥕FAQ's

    Is vegetable broth gluten-free?

    In general, vegetable broth should be free from wheat gluten, but always make sure to read the labels on any broth or bouillon you use, as some may contain gluten or be processed in a facility that uses shared equipment, causing potential cross contamination.

    Is it ok to use canned lentils in this recipe?

    Yes, if you're in a hurry or don't have dried lentils on hand, you can substitute the dried lentils with 2 or 3 15 ounce cans of pre-cooked lentils. The ratio of dried to canned lentils in this recipe would equal about 2.5 cans. I suggest rinsing the canned lentils before making your soup so they'll better absorb the flavors of your broth.

    Why is it necessary to rinse dried lentils before using them?

    During the packaging process, sometimes small bits of debris can collect with the dried lentils. Rinsing them helps to remove any dust and small particles.

    Can this recipe be prepared with an Instant Pot?

    I'm quite certain it can, but to be honest - I own an Instant Pot and have yet to take it out of the box. I'm sure one of these days when I finally give it a try, I'll kick myself for not using it sooner. Do let me know if you make this soup recipe in an Instant Pot - I would love to hear how you did it!

    How to store lentil soup?

    This recipe yields approximately 4 quarts of soup. Leftover soup may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Cooked lentils may absorb most of the soup broth within a day or two. If needed, simply add more broth prior prior to re-heating.
    Read this article for more tips on proper safe food storage.

    Easy vegan lentil veggie soup in a bowl.

    If you enjoy making homemade soup, you're going to love these recipes!

    • Great Homemade Vegan Wonton Soup
    • Vegan Congressional Bean Soup
    • Vegan Rustic Vegetable Soup
    • Best Vegan Creamy Broccoli Soup
    • Vegan Tom Yum Soup
    A bowl of easy vegan lentil veggie soup with a drizzle of plain vegan yogurt and lemon wedge.

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, please rate it in the comments below. Sharing your experience helps others decide if they should give it a try too. Thanks a bunch!🥕

    very vegan 🌱 very good

    Recipe

    A bowl of easy vegan lentil veggie soup.

    Easy Vegan Lentil Veggie Soup

    Connie 🥕
    Easy Vegan Lentil Veggie Soup 🌱A simply delicious & satisfying one-pot soup made of lentils, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and celery simmered in vegetable broth. This hearty, healthy vegan recipe is high in nutrition, low in calories, easy to prepare, budget-friendly & very versatile. Oil-free and GF.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Course Dinner, Entree, Lunch, Soup
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 8
    Calories 214 kcal

    Equipment

    • 6 quart stovetop pot
    • Measuring cup
    • Measuring spoons
    • Strainer
    • kitchen knife
    • Cutting board
    • Long spoon for stirring

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups lentils dried green or brown lentils
    • 4 cups water
    • 32 ounces vegetable broth I use boxed vegan broth. Bouillon is fine too.
    • 16 ounces mixed vegetables frozen - I use broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Chop into smaller pieces if needed.
    • 1 cup celery diced
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Thoroughly rinse uncooked lentils with water. Drain well.
    • Pour lentils into a large pot and cover with 4 cups of water.
    • Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer approximately 15-20 minutes. Don't add salt to the water or cover the pot.
    • Lentils are ready when they’re tender but not mushy. Most or all of the water will be absorbed into the lentils.
    • Add vegetable broth, celery, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Stir in salt & pepper. Continue simmering until veggies are tender (about 15 minutes).
    • Remove lentil soup from heat and serve!

    Notes

    🥕Don’t add salt to the water while the lentils are cooking, as it will make them tough.
    🥕Serving tip - A drizzle of plain vegan yogurt and lemon wedges provide a refreshing bright contrast to the mellow and nutty flavors of the lentils & veggies.
    🥕Canned Lentils - If you’re in a hurry or don’t have dried lentils on hand, you can substitute the dried lentils with 2 or 3 15 ounce cans of pre-cooked lentils. The ratio of dried to canned lentils in this recipe would equal about 2.5 cans. I suggest rinsing the canned lentils before making your soup so they’ll better absorb the flavors of your broth.
    🥕Gluten allergies - Make sure any broth or bouillon you use is labeled gluten-free, if that is a concern.
    🥕Storage - This recipe yields approximately 4 quarts of soup. Leftover soup may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 644mgPotassium: 612mgFiber: 17gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3196IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Soups/Stews

    • Congressional Bean Soup (Vegan)
    • Best Vegan Creamy Broccoli Soup
    • Great Homemade Vegan Wonton Soup
    • Vegan Rustic Vegetable Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kayla DiMaggio

      September 14, 2021 at 5:12 am

      5 stars
      Love this! It couldn't get any easier and my family loves lentils! We were all huge fans of this dish!

      Reply
    2. Andrea White

      September 13, 2021 at 9:47 pm

      5 stars
      It's getting cool here, so this soup is right up my alley of recipes to make! Looks so cozy!

      Reply
    3. Jean

      September 13, 2021 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      so comforting and easy to prepare!

      Reply
    4. Emily Flint

      September 13, 2021 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      I keep saying I'm going to cook with lentils and now I have a reason!! This looks so good and perfect timing for fall!

      Reply
    5. Connie Edwards McGaughy

      September 12, 2021 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Sometimes simple is best, just like this delish & nutrish lentil soup recipe! You won't believe how easy to is to put together a super yummy and satisfying meal using just a few basic ingredients.

      Reply

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