The Best Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe – Warm, Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Are you craving something warm, hearty, and healthy? Our Best Vegan Lentil Soup is the comfort food your soul needs! Rich in flavor, packed with plant-based protein, and easy to make with pantry staples, this soup is not just another lentil soup recipe—it’s the hug in a bowl you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re searching for a healthy lentil soup or wondering about the calories in lentil soup, this recipe ticks all the boxes! ✅
Fun Fact: One bowl delivers loads of protein in vegan lentil soup without any guilt.
Why You Will Love This Vegan Lentil Soup
- 🥕 Simple Ingredients – Mostly pantry staples.
- 🕒 Quick Cooking – Perfect for busy days.
- 🌱 Plant-Based Protein – Satisfying and nourishing.
- 🥣 Creamy Texture – Without any cream.
- 🔥 Spiced & Flavorful – A burst of comfort in every bite.
- ❄️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Freezes like a dream!
Ingredients for the Best Vegan Lentil Soup

Here’s what you’ll need for this soul-satisfying lentil soup recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Pro Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon at the end = magic! 🍋
If you want to dive deeper into the nutritional benefits of lentils, check out this detailed guide by Healthline on Lentils Nutrition.
How to Make Vegan Lentil Soup

Step-by-Step:
- Sauté the onion and carrots in olive oil until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and thyme. Stir until fragrant.
- Toss in the diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the lentils, broth, and water.
- Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Blend a portion of the soup for creaminess (optional).
- Stir in the spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty kick! 🍋
Calories in Lentil Soup: ~203 kcal per serving.
Recipe Secrets for the Best Flavor
- Toast the spices before adding liquids—brings out deep flavors.
- Blend ⅓ of the soup for a luxurious creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for brightness.
- Always finish with lemon juice—it elevates all the flavors!
Recipe Variations
- Add diced sweet potatoes for extra comfort.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier, rich texture.
- Spice it up with chili flakes if you like heat! 🌶️
Delicious Ways to Serve and Enjoy
- Serve with a slice of crusty sourdough or a warm pita.
- Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or avocado slices on top 🥑.
- Pair it with a light salad for a wholesome meal.
How to Make This Vegan Lentil Soup Even Better
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch and freeze.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 4–5 days.
- Reheat: A splash of veggie broth while reheating brings it back to life.
💡 Pro Tip
Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris!
And don’t forget, protein in vegan lentil soup makes it not only delicious but super nourishing too.
Looking for more vibrant and healthy meals? Try our Rainbow Buddha Bowl — it’s colorful, fresh, and packed with nutrients!”
Need a protein-packed breakfast idea? Check out our Vegan Tofu Scramble — quick, easy, and satisfying!
The Best Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe – Warm, Hearty & Easy Comfort Food
Description
This Vegan Lentil Soup is a nourishing, protein-rich, and cozy bowl of goodness. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables, it's a hearty meal perfect for any season. Quick to make, gluten-free, and family-approved!
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
-
Sauté the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
-
Flavor Boost:
Add minced garlic, cumin, curry powder, and thyme. Stir and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
-
Tomatoes In:
Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.
-
Simmer:
Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
-
Blend (Optional):
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back.
-
Greens & Final Touch:
Add spinach/kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted. Stir in fresh lemon juice.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or extra lemon, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 203kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.5g6%
- Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
- Sodium 380mg16%
- Potassium 530mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 14g57%
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 13.5g27%
- Vitamin A 2553 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 3.7 mg
- Vitamin E 1.2 IU
- Vitamin K 8.5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.25 mg
- Riboflavin 0.12 mg
- Niacin 1.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.35 mg
- Folate 90 mcg
- Biotin 3 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg
- Phosphorus 180 mg
- Iodine 3 mcg
- Magnesium 35 mg
- Zinc 1.2 mg
- Selenium 3 mcg
- Copper 0.35 mg
- Manganese 0.6 mg
- Chromium 0.5 mcg
- Molybdenum 12 mcg
- Chloride 45 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra nutrients.
- Boost flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
- Prefer a creamier texture? Blend half the soup and mix it back in.
- For extra spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.