Description
This hearty and comforting Vegetarian Lentil Soup combines tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection in a flavorful vegetable broth. Enhanced with shredded cheddar and a touch of sour cream, this soup offers a creamy texture and rich taste, perfect for a nourishing meal any day.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cubed potatoes (about 4-5 small potatoes)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into coins
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- ½ cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- Pinch of salt (amount depends on vegetable broth saltiness)
Liquids & Dairy
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and celery. Sauté until the garlic becomes translucent and soft, infusing the oil with aroma and softening the vegetables.
- Add Vegetables and Salt: Add the cubed potatoes and chopped carrot coins to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt, considering the saltiness of your vegetable broth. Fry the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
- Combine Lentils and Herbs: Stir in the rinsed lentils, thyme, and marjoram. Pour in the vegetable broth, then cover the pan with its lid. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Cool and Add Cheese: Remove the soup from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese to melt into the soup, adding a creamy, savory element.
- Prepare Sour Cream Mix: Ladle out ¼ cup of the soup broth (without any vegetables) into a small bowl. Dissolve the 2 tablespoons of sour cream into this broth. Return the mixture back to the main pot, stirring gently to combine.
- Optional Blending: For a creamier texture, use a stick blender to blend about ¼ of the soup until smooth, then mix it back into the pot.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of salt based on the sodium content of your vegetable broth to ensure the soup isn’t too salty.
- Simmering time can be extended slightly if lentils aren’t soft enough; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Blending part of the soup is optional but recommended for a richer, creamier consistency.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make excellent garnishes to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Cheddar cheese adds richness, but you can omit or substitute with vegan cheese for a vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
