Save A hearty, nourishing soup packed with seasonal winter vegetables and protein-rich lentils, perfect for warming up on cold days.
The first time I made this soup, I was amazed by how the flavors of root vegetables and lentils blended into a satisfying meal that kept everyone cozy and happy through winter evenings.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Parsnips: 2, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Turnip: 1 small, peeled and cubed
- Sweet potato: 1 small, peeled and cubed
- Kale or Swiss chard: 1 cup, chopped, stems removed
- Lentils: 1 cup dried brown or green, rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz / 400 g), with juice
- Bay leaf: 1
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp, or to taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Juice of lemon: ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 34 minutes until softened.
- Add vegetables:
- Add garlic, carrots, parsnips, celery, turnip, and sweet potato. Sauté for 56 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and simmer:
- Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook lentils:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2530 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Add greens:
- Stir in kale or Swiss chard and simmer for 5 more minutes until wilted.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if using.
Save Our family loves gathering around the table when this soup is simmering on the stove. It's a tradition after snowy walks to enjoy a bowl together and warm up with something delicious.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon, ladle
Allergen Information
Contains no common allergens. Check ingredient labels if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 10 g per serving
Save This soup is tasty on its own, but paired with bread, it's pure comfort. Enjoy every warm spoonful as the flavors deepen with each bite.
Recipe Guide
- → What lentils work best for this dish?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and complement the vegetables, offering a hearty texture.
- → Can I substitute the greens in this dish?
Yes, spinach or collard greens are good alternatives to kale or Swiss chard and cook quickly at the end.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add a pinch of chili flakes with the spices during cooking to give it a gentle heat.
- → Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?
Rinsing the lentils is sufficient here since they cook relatively quickly without soaking.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad make excellent companions to this wholesome vegetable and lentil dish.