Free Standard Shipping Over $50 in the U.S. (Excludes AK and HI)

Kale Yeah! Lentil Soup

Hearty Lentil Soup with Kale & Fire-Roasted Tomatoes

Lentil soup is a classic comfort food, and the internet is overflowing with recipes. I've probably seen (and tried) dozens, and this one is a culmination of all the best bits and pieces. So, while I can't pinpoint the exact source of my inspiration (it's a soup pot of influences!), I can tell you this: it's good. Cozy nights by the fire? This is the soup for them.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 bunch kale, stems removed & chopped (reserve stems)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup French green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tbsp red wine or apple cider vinegar
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (+ more as needed)
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • Other veggies (optional: bell peppers, zucchini, spinach)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté: Heat up some oil in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, celery, kale stems, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Cook it all up until the veggies are soft, around 6-7 min
  2. Add: Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, cook 1 minute
  3. Combine: Add lentils, vinegar, thyme, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook in low-med heat until lentils are tender, ~20 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
  5. Add Greens: Stir in kale, spinach and mushrooms (if using), and other veggies (if using). Cook until wilted, ~5 minutes.
  6. Season: Season with salt & pepper. Remove thyme.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls.

Tips & Variations:

  • For a thicker soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend some of the soup. This will create a creamy texture while still leaving some lentils whole.
  • Add protein: Include cooked chicken, sausage, or tofu for added protein.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
  • Lemon or Lime: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving adds a bright flavor.
  • Herbs: Substitute other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for the thyme.
  • Make it ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors often deepen overnight.
  • Enjoy your delicious and healthy lentil soup!
Back to Musings