High Protein Lentil Soup
This high protein lentil soup is hearty, plant-powered, and satisfying without relying on any processed ingredients. Brown lentils simmer with vegetables and spices in a flavorful broth, delivering a balanced meal that works for meal prep, training days, and cozy nights at home.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle (optional, but nice for serving)
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.
Notes
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
- Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.