How to Make French Vegan Lentil Soup

French vegan lentil soup is a hearty, nutritious dish that embodies the essence of comfort food while being entirely plant-based. Packed with protein, fiber, and a multitude of flavors, this soup is perfect for any time of the year. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious French vegan lentil soup that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large potato, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
6 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Lentils and Tomatoes

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, diced potato, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add Vegetable Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the lentils and vegetables cook evenly.

Step 4: Season the Soup

After 30-40 minutes, check the lentils. They should be tender and the soup should have thickened. If it’s too thick for your liking, feel free to add more vegetable broth or water. Remove the bay leaf, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Once the soup is seasoned to your liking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This soup can be served warm with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best French Vegan Lentil Soup

Experiment with Spices: For added depth of flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika to the soup.
Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender and then stir it back in.
Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients and color.

This French vegan lentil soup not only tastes amazing but is also versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand. Enjoy this warm, filling dish that’s perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends and family!