One Pot Lentil Veggie has become my go-to for a comforting and nourishing meal, especially when the weather turns chilly. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of simmering vegetables and spices filled my entire kitchen, promising something truly special. This One Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup is so satisfying, and the fact that it’s an Easy One Pot Lentil and Vegetable makes it a weeknight lifesaver. It’s packed with goodness and tastes even better the next day. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Lentil Veggie
This soup is an absolute winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, making it a fantastic Lentil Vegetable One Pot Meal. You’ll love how quick it is to get on the table – minimal prep means you can have a healthy dinner ready in under an hour. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients, offering a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples. This dish is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, proving that a Lentil Vegetable One Pot Meal can be both delicious and wholesome. It’s the perfect go-to for a cozy night in!
Ingredients for One Pot Lentil Veggie Soup
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful One Pot Lentil Veggie Soup is simple. You’ll need 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), which are the hearty base of our dish. Make sure to rinse them well! We’ll also use 1 medium onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 medium carrots, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, and 1 bell pepper, chopped. These vegetables form the flavor foundation. For the liquid, grab 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz), which add a lovely tang. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon cumin for that earthy aroma. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh parsley for garnish if you like. This combination creates a wonderful one pot lentil and mixed vegetable experience.
How to Make One Pot Lentil Veggie Soup
Making this delicious One Pot Lentil Veggie Soup is easier than you think, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s get started on this comforting One Pot Lentil Stew with Vegetables!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, rinse your 1 cup dried lentils under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any dust or debris and helps prevent them from foaming too much.
- Step 2: Grab your largest pot or Dutch oven. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté these aromatics for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The smell is wonderful!
- Step 3: Toss in the prepared vegetables: 2 medium carrots, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, and 1 bell pepper, chopped. Stir them into the pot with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they just begin to soften. This step builds a beautiful flavor base for your One Pot Lentil Stew with Vegetables.
- Step 4: Now, add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Pour in the 6 cups vegetable broth and the 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz). Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon cumin. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients for this hearty One Pot Lentil Stew with Vegetables.
- Step 5: Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through but still hold their shape.
- Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes the lentils need a little extra.
- Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if you have it – it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness! Enjoy your amazing homemade soup.
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Lentil Veggie Dish
Want to elevate your soup game? These simple tips will ensure your One Pot Lentil Veggie is absolutely perfect every time!
- Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before adding them to the pot. This removes any dust and helps prevent excess foam.
- Don’t be afraid to season as you go! Adding salt and pepper at different stages helps build layers of flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving.
- If your soup seems too thick after cooking, simply stir in a little more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Lentil Veggie?
The real magic in a hearty one pot lentil and veggie dish comes from sautéing the aromatics and vegetables first. This step builds a deep flavor foundation that simmering alone can’t achieve. It truly makes a difference! For more tips on building flavor, check out this guide on flavor building techniques.
Can I make One Pot Lentil Veggie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can cook the entire pot ahead of time, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s even better the next day!
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Lentil Veggie?
A common mistake is overcooking the lentils; they should be tender but not mushy. Also, avoid adding too much liquid at the start, as the vegetables will release some moisture. Rinsing your lentils is crucial to avoid foam. Learn more about proper vegetable preparation.
Best Ways to Serve One Pot Lentil Vegetable Dinner
This hearty One Pot Lentil Vegetable Dinner is incredibly versatile and delicious served on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a truly comforting meal, serve a generous bowl of this soup with a crusty piece of sourdough bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. If you’re looking for a lighter accompaniment, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup wonderfully. For those who love a hearty spread, consider serving this Vegetarian one pot lentil veggie soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or some garlic bread for an extra comforting experience. You might also enjoy this garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges recipe.
Nutrition Facts for One Pot Lentil Veggie
This hearty One Pot Lentil Veggie soup is a nutritional powerhouse! Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings, approximately 1.5 cups each), you’ll find it’s packed with goodness.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on lentil nutrition, you can consult resources on lentil benefits.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Lentil and Vegetable
This wonderful One Pot Lentil and Vegetable soup is perfect for making ahead, making it an ideal candidate for your simple one pot lentil veggie meal prep routine. Once the soup has cooled down completely to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully! Divide the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Lentil Veggie
Can I freeze this One Pot Lentil Veggie?
Yes, absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for future meals. Once it’s completely cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should stay good in the freezer for about 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What kind of lentils are best for this One Pot Lentil Veggie?
For this recipe, I’ve found that green or brown lentils work best. They hold their shape well during cooking, giving you a satisfying texture. Red lentils tend to break down more and can make the soup a bit mushy, so I usually save those for other dishes.
How can I make this a Vegan one pot lentil vegetable dish?
The recipe as written is already a fantastic Vegan one pot lentil vegetable dish! It uses vegetable broth and no animal products. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan if that’s important to you. It’s naturally dairy-free and meat-free, making it a wholesome choice for everyone.
Can I add other vegetables to this One Pot Lentil Veggie?
Definitely! This soup is very forgiving. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, or even corn. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even cooking. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have on hand! Consider trying this keto hamburger broccoli skillet for another vegetable-forward meal.
Variations of One Pot Lentil Veggie You Can Try
While this soup is amazing as is, I love experimenting with it! It’s so versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your preferences. For a heartier, earthier flavor, try adding a one pot lentil and root vegetable mix by including diced sweet potatoes or parsnips along with the carrots. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend about a quarter of the soup before serving, or stir in a splash of coconut milk for a vegan creaminess. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the pot during cooking. You can even swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re not keeping it strictly vegetarian, making it a delicious option for more diets. Explore more latest recipes for inspiration.
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One Pot Lentil Veggie: Amazing Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and nourishing One-Pot Lentil Veggie Soup made with lentils and colorful vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days. This easy recipe is a budget-conscious family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Chop the vegetables as indicated.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the carrots, celery, and bell pepper, stirring occasionally for an additional 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor!
Notes
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.
- Green and brown lentils are best for this soup; red lentils tend to become mushy.
- Experiment with spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for added flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the lentils; they should be tender but retain a slight bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250 kcal
