French Lentil Soup Vegetarian is a comforting dish that warms not just the belly but also the soul. This simple yet flavorful soup combines the earthy richness of green French lentils with fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. The result is a hearty, nutritious meal that you can prepare in about 50 minutes. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this soup showcases the essence of vegetarian cuisine with a French flair.
Why You’ll Love This French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
This Vegetarian French Lentil Soup is packed with benefits. First, it’s incredibly healthy, providing a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber. Each serving boasts about 20 grams of protein, making it a filling choice. Second, it’s versatile; you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste by adding different vegetables or spices. Third, it’s budget-friendly, using ingredients that are often already in your pantry. This Easy Vegetarian Lentil Soup is also low in fat and rich in nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, with its vibrant colors and aroma, it’s a feast for the senses. Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors throughout the week.
Ingredients for French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups (200 grams) Diced Yellow Onion
- 1 1/2 cups (215 grams) Carrots
- 1 cup (145 grams) Celery
- 3/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (275 grams) Dry French Lentils
- 2 1/4 cups (12 ounces / 340 grams) Yellow Potatoes
- 7 cups (1.54 kilograms) Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups (100 grams) Swiss Chard (optional)
- 1/2 Fresh Lemon
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make French Lentil Soup Vegetarian Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a 7 quart Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the oil on medium until it shimmers. Add the onions, carrot, celery, and salt. Sweat for about 8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Step 2: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat the veggies and cook the paste. Add the Italian seasonings, black pepper, lentils, potatoes, veggie broth, and bay leaves. Stir. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, lid and simmer for 25 minutes or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Step 3: Remove the lid, stir in the chard now if using, and continue cooking for 5 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly. Stir in the juice of 1/2 a lemon. If a thinner soup is desired, add up to an additional cup of broth. Taste for salt adjustment.
- Step 4: Ladle into soup bowls and share warm with a slab of rustic sourdough bread or garlicky butter croutons and lemon wedges.
- Step 5: To Store: allow to cool, then transfer to a lidded container and refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge overnight, gently rewarm on the stovetop.
Pro Tips for the Best French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste; feel free to experiment with spices!
- Add protein by serving with crusty bread or croutons.
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
Best Ways to Serve French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
Pair your plant-based French Lentil Soup with a side salad for a complete meal. It also goes wonderfully with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a dollop of vegan yogurt for added creaminess. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a quinoa salad. Each option complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
To ensure your French Lentil Soup stays fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prep. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Lentil Soup Vegetarian
What’s the secret to perfect French Lentil Soup Vegetarian?
The secret lies in using quality ingredients and allowing the soup to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. Fresh herbs and spices significantly enhance the overall taste.
Can I make French Lentil Soup Vegetarian ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. It’s an excellent option for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with French Lentil Soup Vegetarian?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking and adjust the seasoning towards the end. Overcooking can lead to mushy lentils, so keep an eye on the timing.
Variations of French Lentil Soup Vegetarian You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with the recipe. For a heartier option, try adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also create a vegan French Lentil Soup by omitting any dairy-based garnishes. Additionally, consider using different greens like spinach or collard greens instead of chard.
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French Lentil Soup Vegetarian: 5 Reasons to Make It Today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 cups (200 grams) Diced Yellow Onion
- 1 1/2 cups (215 grams) Carrots
- 1 cup (145 grams) Celery
- 3/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 1/2 cups (275 grams) Dry French Lentils
- 2 1/4 cups (12 ounces / 340 grams) Yellow Potatoes
- 7 cups (1.54 kilograms) Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2 cups (100 grams) Swiss Chard (optional)
- 1/2 Fresh Lemon
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a 7 quart Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the oil on medium until it shimmers. Add the onions, carrot, celery and salt. Sweat for about 8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally or until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring to coat the veggies and cook the paste. Add the Italian seasonings, black pepper, lentils, potatoes, veggie broth and bay leaves. Stir. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, lid and simmer for 25 minutes or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
- Remove the lid, stir in the chard now if using, and continue cooking for 5 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly. Stir in the juice of 1/2 a lemon. If a thinner soup is desired, add up to an additional cup of broth. Taste for salt adjustment.
- Ladle into soup bowls and share warm with a slab or rustic sourdough bread or garlicky butter croutons and lemon wedges.
- To Store: allow to cool, then transfer to a lidded container and refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge overnight, gently rewarm stovetop.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Add protein by serving with crusty bread or croutons.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 359
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 20 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: French Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Healthy Soup, Comfort Food