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    Home » Soups

    Vegan Lentil Soup (Italian Vegetable)

    September 29, 2019 / Updated February 8, 2021 / By Verna / 8 Comments

    Post may contain affiliate links. Read here.
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    lentil soup in a white bowl

    Delicious and satisfying bowl of vegan lentil soup! lentils and vegetables simmered in the best full flavoured Italian broth made with easy everyday ingredients in 1 pot or the slow cooker! You’ll love this lentil soup! Vegan, Healthy & gluten free!

    vegan italian lentil soup in a white bowl with a spoon

    I’m a big fan of those easy one pot meals and this Lentil Soup fits that bill! It's vegan, simple to make, super hearty and the depth of flavour for a plant based soup is incredible! You are going to love this Italian lentil soup recipe made with green lentils, spices, and fresh vegetables. Budget friendly too!! Excellent for lunch or dinner served with my crusty artisan no knead bread for dipping!

    What type of lentils should I use for this soup?

    I prefer Green lentils (not red lentils) for this vegetable lentil soup, they take longer to cook than brown lentils but hold their shape and have a nice bite, in this recipe or whatever recipe you are cooking them with. But feel free to use brown lentils just reduce the cooking time. Red and yellow lentils break down to much to use in this type of soup and are better enjoyed with curry recipes such as Dahl.

    sauce poured over noodles
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    green lentils rinsed in a strainer

    Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

    I absolutely do not recommend canned lentils. The outcome will be totally different and not nearly as tasty! Simmering the dried green lentils in the soup adds an earthiness you don’t get if you use canned.

    Dried lentils are much more affordable then canned anyways, so it’s a win win for your pocket book!

    Ingredients for vegan lentil soup:

    • Green lentils (or you could use brown)
    • Onions
    • Mushrooms
    • Celery
    •  canned roasted tomatoes
    • Carrots
    • Zucchini
    • Garlic
    • Bouillon paste
    • Water
    • Herbs
    • Spices
    • Salt and pepper
    • Optional add ins are: some chopped spinach (add at the end) and or some chopped potatoes.

    two bowls of vegan lentil soup

    How do you make vegan lentil soup?

    Such an easy recipe to make!

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...
    2. Set your soup pot / Dutch Oven to medium heat. Once hot add the onions, oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are softened and browning slightly. (for oil free, sauté with water or veggie stock)
    3. Add in the lentils and rest of ingredients (except balsamic vinegar) and stir. Bring the soup to a boil on high heat. Cover, reduce to a simmer. Cook for 55-60 minutes or until lentils are tender.
    4. Remove from heat, add the balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (recommended). Enjoy with some tasty artisan bread.

    Slow Cooker Option:

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...
    2. Add all the soup ingredients (except balsamic vinegar) to your slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours
    3. Once done add the balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (recommended). Enjoy with some tasty artisan bread.

    . For full recipe instructions and ingredients see recipe card below.

    step by step photos how to make lentil soup

    lentil soup in a white bowl

    You're going to love this lentil soup recipe, it's:

    • vegan
    • meatless
    • hearty and healthy
    • comforting
    • full of lentils
    • full of veggies
    • protein packed
    • rich and savoury
    • super flavourful
    • kid friendly
    • easy to make

    Enjoy guys! Happy day to you? feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. I would love to hear from you.

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Vegan Recipes❤️

    Want more incredible Vegan Soup Recipes? Check these out:

    • Vegan Corn Chowder (Slow Cooker Option)
    • Vegan Hamburger Soup - Hearty & Delicious!
    • Best Vegan Split Pea Soup (Slow Cooker Option)
    • Moroccan Stew (Vegan) (Slow Cooker Option)
    • Hearty Vegetable Stew (Vegan) (Slow Cooker Option)
    Print
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    vegan lentil soup in a white bowl with a spoon

    Vegan Lentil Soup (Italian Vegetable)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
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    Description

    Delicious and satisfying bowl of vegan lentil soup! lentils and vegetables simmered in the best full flavoured Italian broth made with easy everyday ingredients in 1 pot or the slow cooker! You’ll love this lentil soup! Vegan, Healthy & gluten free!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 tablespoon oil, I use grapeseed oil (or sub water or veggie stock)
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, chopped small
    • 1 celery stalk, chopped
    • 2 medium carrots, diced
    • (1/2 lb) (227 grams) sliced mushrooms
    • 1 small zucchini, chopped ( about 1 and 1/2 cups)
    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (don't skimp)
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoons dried basil
    • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel
    • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
    • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 (398 mls) (14 fl oz) can roasted tomatoes, pureed
    • 2 and 1/2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon No Beef soup Base ( there is an organic oil free variety but I have not tried it)
    • 1 cup dry green lentils, picked over for debris and rinsed well
    • 6 cups water
    • 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions

    Stovetop option:

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...
    2. Set your soup pot / Dutch Oven to medium heat. Once hot add the onions, oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until onions are softened and browning slightly. (for oil free, sauté with water or veggie stock)
    3. Add in the rest of ingredients (except balsamic vinegar) and stir. Bring the soup to a boil on high heat. Cover, reduce to a simmer. Cook for 55-60 minutes or until lentils are tender.
    4. Remove from heat, add the balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (recommended). Enjoy with some tasty artisan bread.

    Slow Cooker Option:

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...
    2. Add all the soup ingredients (except balsamic vinegar) to your slow cooker.  Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours
    3. Once done add the balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper (recommended). Enjoy with some tasty artisan bread.

    Notes

    • Optional add ins: some chopped spinach (2 cups, add at the end) and or 2 cups or so chopped potatoes.
    • To store and freeze: this soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes well
    • if you use brown lentils start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
    • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 60 Minutes
    • Category: Soups, Gluten Free,
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American, Canadian, Italian,

    Keywords: vegan lentil soup, lentil soup, Italian lentil soup, everyday lentil soup, hearty, earthy, savoury, rich, easy, best, gluten free, green lentils, green lentil soup,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mark

      January 22, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      Can I sub veg broth for the water and bouillon. And is it a 1 for 1?

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 23, 2022 at 5:56 am

        yes and yes 🙂 I recommend using a good quality veggie broth, they have more flavour. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Michele

      May 28, 2021 at 12:58 am

      I made this soup yesterday, I used the slow cooker version. Super easy to put together and delicious. I highly recommend it 😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 28, 2021 at 6:33 am

        Thank you so much Michele!! So happy you enjoyed it

        Reply
    3. Morgan

      May 07, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      Best lentil soup! We love the Italian flavours a lot!! I’ve made this vegan soup 3 times now. The last time we added fried beyond sausages . Oh wow was it good! Thanks for the great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 07, 2020 at 11:18 pm

        Thanks so much Morgan, love the addition of vegan sausage, sounds tasty!

        Reply
    4. Troy

      September 29, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      Awesome!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        October 01, 2019 at 1:18 pm

        thank you so much Troy! Glad you enjoyed the soup!

        Reply

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