Holly Yzquierdo

Craving a savory, hearty soup? Make beef stew without the beef! A plant-based lentil and vegetable soup can provide comfort, sustenance, and an explosion of flavors.

How can you make a beefless stew? Use lentils!

Lentils are down right magical. They make great tacos, taste wonderful plain or seasoned, cook quickly and are easy to prepare.

Lentil and vegetable soup is a staple in many cultures around the world, loved for its versatility and nutritional value. It combines the earthiness of lentils with the freshness of vegetables, creating a balanced and wholesome meal.

Instant Pot or Stove Top Options

Lentil and vegetable soup can be made quickly in an Instant Pot with Massel beef flavored broth (but it’s actually called concentrated liquid stock). Make it on the stove top with only spices instead of a ready made broth.

What makes this dish especially attractive is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it still turns out as a delicious soup.

A Soup for Every Occasion

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal, prepping for the week ahead, or serving guests a wholesome lunch, lentil and vegetable soup is endlessly versatile. For busy folks, this soup can easily be prepared in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for several days, or frozen for even longer.

Another fantastic feature of this soup is how customizable it is. Depending on what vegetables you have at home, you can tweak the recipe to include your favorites or even make it more seasonal.

In the fall and winter, root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and butternut squash can add warmth and depth to the dish. During the spring and summer months, lighter veggies like zucchini, fresh tomatoes, or bell peppers can give the soup a fresher, more vibrant taste.

Plant Based Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup diced onions
• 6 small potatoes, diced (see note above)
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 3 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup dry lentils
• 2 quarts of water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

Step 1 – Chop Veggies

Add all of the chopped veggies to a large pot on medium heat. I like to do this as I’m cutting them but if you pre-cut them you can do it all at once.

Step 2 – Add Lentils

Add the dry lentils, careful to sort them for debris. I found a stick in mine.

Step 3 – Season

Add the water and all of the seasonings and cover with a lid.

Step 4 – Simmer

Bring to a simmer and allow to simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 5 – Check Tenderness

Check soup, make sure the carrots and potatoes are soft.

Step 6 – Remove Bay Leaf

Remove the bay leaf and serve.

Modification for Instant Pot

If you are making this in an Instant Pot, add all the ingredients as directed, then cook on manual with high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow it to release pressure naturally.

Storage

Storing lentil and vegetable soup ensures you always have a nourishing, ready-to-eat meal on hand. If you plan to eat your lentil and vegetable soup within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator is the best option. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop, bringing the soup to a simmer to ensure it’s fully heated.

For longer-term storage, freezing is a great option. Lentil and vegetable soup freezes exceptionally well, maintaining its texture and flavor. After cooling the soup completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a bit of space at the top for expansion. Label each container with the date to keep track of how long it’s been frozen. Stored properly, the soup will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Plant Based Soup Recipes:

If you like this soup, check out these other delicious soup recipes:

• Tortilla Soup
• Potato Kale Soup
• Chickpea and Rice Soup
• Hearty Veggie Soup
• Spicy Black Bean Soup