Vegetable Lentil Soup
A hearty and flavorful vegetable lentil soup packed with tender vegetables, tomatoes, and greens, perfect for cozy lunches or nourishing dinners for any health-conscious eater.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice carrots, celery, and onions.
- Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Mince garlic.
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and cook the vegetables until tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until browned.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, lentils, chicken broth, potatoes, and water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes.
- Thinly slice the escarole.
- Just before serving, stir the escarole into the soup.
- Cook until the escarole is wilted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a teaspoon of cumin while the soup simmers. If you're out of lentils, split peas can be a suitable substitute. You can also toss in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the soup, making it more akin to Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable lentil soup warm, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked pepper. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes like Greek Feta Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. This will help maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Lentil Soup contains roughly 608 calories, with 18g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, just store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to enjoy the enhanced taste.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this vegetable lentil soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Certainly! If you prefer a meaty version, you can add cooked chicken or sausage to the soup. Simply sauté the meat with the vegetables before adding the other ingredients. This will give the soup a hearty flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).