• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cheeky Chickpea
  • Home
  • Instant Pot
  • Sign up
  • About Verna
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Sign up
  • About
  • Contact
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
  • Breakfast & Baking
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Gluten free
  • Mains
  • Salads
  • Sauces & Dressings
  • Snacks & Sides
  • Soups
  • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • All Recipes
    • Sign up
    • About
    • Contact
    • Instant Pot
    • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
    • Breakfast & Baking
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten free
    • Mains
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Snacks & Sides
    • Soups
    • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Soups

    Italian Lentil Soup

    Updated: Aug 24, 2022 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    920 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe
    lentil soup in a white bowl
    a bowl of italian lentil soup with a spoon

    A bowl of this vegan Italian Lentil Soup is guaranteed to make your day better. It’s an easy, protein-packed, and nutritious one-pot recipe that can be made on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.

    a bowl of italian lentil soup with a spoon

    This Italian Lentil Soup is the ultimate one-pot recipe. Not only is it packed with budget-friendly, vegan, and everyday ingredients, but one bowl will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. 

    You’ll find protein-packed lentils, vegetables, and a medley of Italian herbs and seasonings in every spoonful. Once this vegetable lentil soup is done simmering on the stove, you’ll be left with a huge batch to enjoy for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and leftovers the next day.

    The best part? You can make this vegan lentil soup recipe on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or in a crockpot. All 3 methods are hands-off and keep cleanup to a minimum.

    Jump to:
    • What kind of lentils are best for lentil soup?
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make Italian lentil soup on the stove
    • Variations
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More vegan soup recipes
    • Italian Lentil Soup

    What kind of lentils are best for lentil soup?

    Dried green and brown lentils are best in lentil soup because they hold their shape well when cooked for a long period of time. Both are very tender, earthy, and hearty, ensuring that one bowl of soup will fill you right up.

    Red or yellow lentils won’t work here. They break down very easily and will turn to mush if cooked in a pot of soup. Instead, save the red lentils for vegan bolognese sauce and yellow lentils for yellow curry or dahl.

    dried green lentils rinsed in a fine mesh sieve

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Every spoonful is heavy on the vegetables and Italian herbs, making this soup as healthy and satisfying as it is flavorful. Here’s what you need:

    • Green or brown lentils - Before you start cooking with lentils, make sure you rinse them well through a fine mesh sieve and pick out any debris. 
    • Vegetables - Like yellow onion, garlic, celery, carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini. A can of roasted pureed tomatoes also gives the soup added tang and sweetness.
    • Herbs - This soup uses a handful of dried and fresh Italian herbs, like rosemary, oregano, basil, celery salt, ground fennel, granulated onion, and granulated garlic. A pre-mixed blend of Italian seasoning works just as well.
    • Vegan beef broth - Vegan-friendly bouillon or vegetable broth work just as well, but I like the heartiness vegan beef broth adds.
    • Balsamic vinegar - For a hint of tang and umami at the end. Feel free to replace this with soy sauce or tamari.
    ingredients for lentil soup in a pot ready to cook

    How to make Italian lentil soup on the stove

    Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to make the best lentil soup ever:

    1. Saute the onions: Heat some oil in a large soup pot, then add the onions. Saute until they’re soft and translucent.
    2. Add the rest: Next, add the rest of the ingredients (except the balsamic). Stir and bring it up to a boil.
    3. Let it simmer: Reduce the heat to a simmer before adding a lid on top. Let the soup cook until the lentils are tender (about 1 hour).
    4. Season and serve: Take the lentil soup off of the heat and season with balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve in bowls with crusty bread or focaccia on the side and enjoy! For full ingredients and instructions see printable recipe card below

    Would you rather make it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker? Scroll down to the FAQs section to learn how!

    step by step photos how to make italian lentil soup
     a big pot of italian lentil soup ready to serve

    Variations

    • Add extra vegetables - Like diced potatoes, squash, bell peppers, or chopped spinach or kale (add these at the end).
    • If you use brown lentils - Check them for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
    • Oil free - Saute the vegetables in broth or water instead and make sure the broth or bouillon you use is oil free.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you make lentil soup in the Instant Pot?

    To make Instant Pot lentil soup, saute the onions in the oiled pot on Saute mode. Cancel Saute mode and stir in the rest of the ingredients (except the balsamic). Seal the lid on top and set the valve to the “sealing” position. 

    Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes. When time is up, let the pressure release naturally (20 to 30 minutes). Once the pin has dropped, take off the lid and stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve and enjoy.

    Can you make it in a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! Add all of the ingredients (except the balsamic) to the bowl of a slow cooker. Cover with a lid and cook on High for 4 to 5 hours or on Low for 6 to 7 hours. Once it’s done, stir in the balsamic, salt, and pepper, then serve.

    Do you have to soak lentils before making soup?

    No, there’s no need to soak the lentils first. Just rinse them well, pick out any debris, then toss them in the pot.

    Can you make this soup with canned lentils?

    I don’t recommend using canned lentils in this recipe. Cooking dried lentils directly in the soup adds an earthiness that can’t be replicated with canned lentils.

    How long does it last?

    The cooled leftovers will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

    Can you freeze lentil soup?

    Yes, it freezes very well! Keep the soup in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, let the frozen soup thaw in the fridge or on the kitchen counter before reheating in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

    More vegan soup recipes

    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Corn Chowder
    • Zuppa Toscana Soup
    • Split Pea Soup
    • Minestrone Soup

    Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

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

    Subscribe here for free weekly recipes delivered right to your inbox! No need to scour the internet. Your one stop shop for recipes is here😊 No spam I promise!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    a bowl of italian lentil soup with a spoon

    Italian Lentil Soup


    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

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

    Description

    A bowl of this vegan Italian Lentil Soup is guaranteed to make your day better. It’s an easy, protein-packed, and nutritious one-pot recipe that can be made on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker. 


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 tablespoon oil or sub water or veggie stock
    • 1 large yellow onion, diced

    • 4 cloves garlic, chopped small

    • 1 celery rib, chopped

    • 2 medium carrots, diced

    • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

    • 1 small zucchini, chopped ( about 1 and 1/2 cups)

    • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

    • 2 teaspoons dried basil

    • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon ground fennel

    • 1 teaspoon onion powder

    • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic (powder)

    • 1- 14 oz can roasted tomatoes, pureed

    • 6 cups vegan beef broth ( I use water + 2.5 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon No Beef soup Base or use good quality vegetable broth*

    • 1 cup dry green lentils (or brown), picked over for debris and rinsed well

    • 3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

    • salt and pepper to taste


    Instructions

    Stovetop:

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...

    2. Set your 4-6 qt Dutch Oven pot or soup pot 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 the 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. Enjoy!

    Slow Cooker: 

    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 crock-pot.  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. Enjoy!

    Instant pot:

    1. First Prep your veggies, puree the tomatoes, chop the rosemary and gather your herbs and spices, etc...

    2. Set a 6 quart instant pot to saute. Add in the oil, onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. (for oil free, sauté with water or veggie stock) Sauté for 5 minutes. 

    3. Press cancel and stir in the rest of the ingredients - except balsamic vinegar- Close and lock the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’ position. Set the pressure cook button to high pressure for 15 minutes.

    4. When time is up, let the pressure release naturally (takes 20 to 30 minutes). Once the pin has dropped, remove the lid and stir in balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper and enjoy! 

    Notes

    • For oil free lentil soup: saute veggies in water or vegetable broth and use an oil free bouillon paste or veggie broth.
    • Brown lentils: if you using brown lentils start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
    • Optional add ins:  2 cups or so chopped potatoes and or some chopped spinach or kale (2 cups add at the end)
    • To store and freeze: this soup will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes well

    Originally published Sept, 2019. Post has been updated with more cooking options, recipe itself is unchanged 

    • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 60 Minutes
    • Category: Soups, Gluten Free,
    • Method: Stovetop, Instant pot or crockpot
    • Cuisine: Italian, American, Canadian

    Keywords: italian lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, italian vegetable soup

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

    More Soups

    • Vegan Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    • Vegan White Chili
    • Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup)
    • Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
    920 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maggie

      June 15, 2022 at 12:37 am

      Do you know the cook time/settings if this was made in an instant pot?

      Reply
      • Verna

        June 15, 2022 at 8:52 am

        Hi Maggie I haven't tested this lentil soup in the instant pot. I would suggest saute veggies- 5 minutes add rest of ingredients. High pressure 15 minutes then let naturally release. Stir in balsamic. 🙂

        Reply
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

    More about me →

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Categories

    Popular Posts

    • The Best Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake
    • Best Vegan Meatballs! (Impossible Burger)
    • 5 Minute Vegan Ramen (Instant Noodles)
    • Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe
    • Best Vegan Meatloaf Recipe! (Impossible Burger)
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Nutritional Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact
    • Affiliate and Photo Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Cheeky Chickpea