- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ white onion, diced *about 1 cup
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1⅓ cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup filtered water
Add the avocado oil to a stockpot and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, turn down to low-medium heat and add the onion. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic, stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, turn heat to high until it boils and then reduce it to a simmer. Add the lid and allow it to cook for 40-45 minutes. Stir occasionally. This includes: lentils, carrot, celery, bell pepper, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Bay leaves, vegetable stock, and filtered water.
Carefully remove the Bay leaves. Optionally season with more salt as desired. Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread.
Storage
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens.
Tips & Modifications
Salt is key. I highly recommend adding more salt at the end until you get the perfect flavor.
Veggie stock is highly recommended. Broth brings so much added flavor to the soup.
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 208kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1078mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4153IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 4mg
Course: dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keyword: carrots, celery, dairy free soup, fall soup, garlic, lentil soup, lentils, one pot, one-pot meal, vegan soup, vegan soup recipe