Name: Lemon Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: For the Soup; 1–2 Tbsp 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; 1 ½ cups red lentils; 2 bay leaves; ½ tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp kosher salt; Juice from 1 lemon (about 5 tbsp); 1 tsp lemon zest; Optional; Handful of spinach or kale; Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Description

This Lemon Lentil Soup is a light yet hearty dish made with red lentils, fresh vegetables, and vibrant lemon zest. Ready in under 30 minutes, this vegan soup is packed with protein, fiber, and refreshing citrus flavor—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup

1–2 Tbsp 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

1 ½ cups red lentils

2 bay leaves

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp kosher salt

Juice from 1 lemon (about 5 tbsp)

1 tsp lemon zest

Optional

Handful of spinach or kale

Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Broth and Lentils:
Pour in the vegetable stock, then add red lentils, bay leaves, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until lentils are soft and cooked.
Add Lemon & Blend (Optional):
Stir in lemon juice and zest. For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of soup in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Pour back into the pot.
Add Greens (Optional):
Stir in spinach or kale (if using), cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Serve and Garnish:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Creamy: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or almond milk to make the soup creamier.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes for more texture.
Grains: Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup, Comfort Food
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based, Mediterranean