Chunky Brown Lentil Vegetable Soup

Name: Chunky Brown Lentil Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste; 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup trimmed and chopped green beans (I used frozen); 4 cups vegetable broth (I use Better Than Bouillon); 1 cup water; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 15oz can diced tomatoes (not drained); 1 medium Russet potato, diced; 1 cup brown or green lentils; 2 cups spinach; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Published Nov 26, 2023 · Modified Nov 26, 2023 · by Alexis Joseph · 31 Comments

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I absolutely love making cozy vegetable soups for dinner — they’re a quick and easy way to enjoy nourishing ingredients without a ton of effort. This easy stovetop lentil soup is loaded with chopped veggies, brown lentils, dried herbs and a dash of balsamic vinegar. It’s purposefully chunky, and packed with nutrition. A hearty soup that's freezer-friendly and reheats wonderfully!

bowl of lentil soup with potatoes and cornbread on side.

Let's be real...healthy from-scratch soup recipes are kind of my jam.

Hello, vegetable soup with potatoes and creamy French lentil soup sister recipes! The fam's all here.

I originally published this beaut in 2015 but I've been making it regularly ever since. There's just something about a thick, veggie-packed, homey soup with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping.

Ahhh, a true hug for the soul. I'll take seven bowls, please!

Ingredients

Mirepoix: Onion, carrot and celery form the flavor base.
Garlic: What's a soup without aromatic fresh garlic?
Brown lentils: Brown lentils are ideal here because they lend the perfect soft but not mushy texture to the soup (like my Instant Pot Lentil Soup with brown lentils!). They're also packed with plant protein and filling fiber. We don't want to use red lentils here because they're too soft.
Italian seasoning and bay leaves: Dried herbs season this soup to perfection.
Vegetable broth: For a liquid base concentrated with flavor. I use Better Than Bouillon.
Potatoes: You need just one potato here to add fun texture and body. I tested this recipe with Russet, which are ideal for soups because they hold their texture.
Canned tomatoes: Another layer of savory flavor, texture, and the antioxidant lycopene!
Tomato paste: This adds extra umami and concentrated flavor.
Spinach: The key to healthy lentil soup is adding all the veggies! I also love the bright pop of green and silky texture spinach lends.
Balsamic vinegar: Delicious brightness and really interesting flavor.

Substitutions

Balsamic: Try a splash of lemon juice instead to brighten the soup.
Potato: Try sweet potato if you prefer.
Veggies: Make this your own! You could use veggies you have on hand like cauliflower, mushrooms, bell pepper, or kale.

How to make (step by step)

Sauté onion, celery and carrots. Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.

soup with tomatoes and potatoes in pot with wooden spoon.

Add green beans, broth, water, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, potato, and lentils.

Stir, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer on low (covered) for 40-45 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in spinach and balsamic vinegar.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with crusty bread!

Storage

Soup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully!

Please let me know how this lentil vegetable soup recipe turns out for you by leaving a star rating and/or comment! I hope you adore it as much as I do.

up close bowl of lentil soup with veggies.

About Alexis Joseph

Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

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