Imagine a warm, hearty soup that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body with plant-based goodness. This Vegan French Lentil Soup is a culinary masterpiece that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. Packed with protein-rich French green lentils and a medley of fresh vegetables, this soup is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the French green lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add thyme and bay leaf to the soup. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Lentil Selection: Always use French green lentils (Puy lentils) as they hold their shape better and provide a wonderful texture compared to other lentil varieties.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- Sautéing Technique: Take your time when sautéing the vegetables. The caramelization process builds a deeper, more complex flavor base for your soup.
- Broth Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best taste. Homemade is ideal, but a good store-bought organic vegetable broth works perfectly.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings. The salt helps bring out the lentils' natural flavors, so season gradually.
- Texture Control: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking the lentils. They should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep.
- Garnish Creatively: Enhance the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even some crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
