Vegetarian Lentil Soup Recipe
This hearty Vegetarian Lentil Soup features tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection in vegetable stock. Enhanced with shredded cheddar and a touch of sour cream, this comforting soup is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (around 4–5 small potatoes)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins
Dry Ingredients & Herbs
- ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- Pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
Liquids & Dairy
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan with a lid over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and finely chopped celery. Saute until garlic is translucent and soft, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Add Vegetables and Salt: Stir in the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the veggies (adjust based on the saltiness of your vegetable broth). Fry the mixture for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Simmer Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, thyme, marjoram, and 6 cups of vegetable stock to the pan. Cover with the lid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but retain some texture.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup for added creaminess and flavor.
- Mix Sour Cream: Remove ¼ cup of soup liquid without solids into a small bowl. Stir in the sour cream until smooth, then return this mixture to the main pot of soup, enhancing its richness.
- Optional Blending: For a creamier texture, blend about 1/4 of the soup using a stick blender until smooth, then mix back into the pot.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a refreshing finish.
Notes
- Adjust the salt according to the saltiness of your vegetable broth to avoid over-seasoning.
- For a vegan version, omit cheddar and sour cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Blending part of the soup is optional but adds a lovely creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Keywords: vegetarian lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, easy lentil soup, hearty lentil soup
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/vegetarian-lentil-soup-recipe/
