The Best Vegan Lentil Soup

This might just be the best vegan lentil soup ever, seriously! It’s incredibly easy to make, and the best part is that it all comes together in just one pot. Packed with brown lentils, hearty vegetables, and bold, warming spices, it’s the ultimate comfort in a bowl. If you’re a fan of onion soup, this recipe brings those same cozy vibes, with the added heartiness of lentils. It’s high in fiber, deeply satisfying, and absolutely delicious!

this RECIPE!

This lentil soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially during the fall and winter months, it’s truly irreplaceable! Inspired by my cultural heritage and infused with a few family secret ingredients, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and uniquely mine. I start with classic lentil soup ingredients, then add my own twist. What I love most is that it’s incredibly creamy without the need for any heavy cream or milk—the creaminess comes naturally from puréeing the lentils. I like to keep a bit of texture, so I fold the cooked lentils and vegetables back in after blending. For an extra comforting finish, I top it with a garlic yogurt sauce and crispy fried onions, but to keep it vegan, simply swap the yogurt with your favorite plant-based alternative!

This recipe is anything but bland, super easy to make, and best of all, the ingredients are likely already in your pantry! It all comes together in just about an hour. No doubt you’ll love this soup as much as my family does, and hope it will be a staple in your kitchen as well!

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IN THIS POST: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAKE THE BEST LENTIL SOUP

• IS LENTIL SOUP HEALTHY?
• 🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THE BEST LENTIL SOUP!
• STEPS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE!
• PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?
• JUMP TO RECIPE CARD

IS LENTIL SOUP HEALTHY?

Yes! Lentil soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, while also being low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a highly nutritious and heart-healthy choice, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat more whole, wholesome foods. Lentils are naturally gluten-free and ideal for those following plant-based or gluten-free diets. Plus, they support digestive health, help keep you full longer, and contribute to overall wellness, what’s not to love?

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🍴INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THE BEST LENTIL SOUP!

Here is a preview of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe! You can find these at your local grocery store, or you can shop online. (Detailed ingredients in Recipe Card down below.) ⬇️

• Chicken Broth – unseasoned broth (see note below)
• Brown Lentils
• Cumin
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Celery
• Carrots
• Paprika
• Onion Bouillon Mini Cubes – used Knorr Onion Seasoning Cubes
• Tomato Paste
• Brown Onions
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Note: You can absolutely use store-bought chicken broth for convenience. However, I prefer to make my own by simply boiling chicken breast in water to create a light, unseasoned broth. I find this gives the soup a cleaner taste, especially if you prefer a more subtle flavor profile like I do.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce – (Not Vegan) Note: If you want to keep it vegan, swap the yogurt with your favorite plant-based alternative!

• Plain Yogurt – (Low-fat yogurt was used in this recipe – see note below.)
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Garlic
• Salt

STEPS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE!

Step 1: Start by making your unseasoned chicken broth. Place the chicken (such as a boneless, skinless chicken breast) in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth is flavorful. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.

Step 2: While the chicken is boiling, rinse and soak the lentils in water; let them soak until you’re ready to add them later. Meanwhile, heat a bit of light olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add one chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the chopped celery and carrots, and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, then add your tomato paste, seasonings, and the onion broth (if using). Stir everything together, cover with a lid, and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have come together.

Step 4: Thinly slice 2 large onions lengthwise. In a pan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onions until they become deeply caramelized and slightly crispy around the edges. This can take about 15–20 minutes. Once done, you can either use the onions as a garnish or stir them into the soup after it has finished cooking for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Step 5: If you’re making the garlic yogurt sauce, go ahead and mix the yogurt with your garlic and any other ingredients you’re using—set it aside for topping.

Step 6: Once the soup is fully cooked, remove about 1 cup of the cooked lentils and vegetables and set them aside. Use an immersion (hand) blender to purée the rest of the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Then, return the reserved lentils and vegetables to the pot and stir to combine.

Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce, add the crispy fried onions, and enjoy!

PREFER TO WATCH STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE VIDEO INSTEAD OF READING?

Have any questions about this recipe, or have you tried making our recipe yet? If so, we would LOVE to hear how it turned out! You can post, tag, rate, and comment down below and on Instagram! 👇 Thank you in advance! 

RECIPE CARD

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