Ultimate Lentil Quinoa Soup: Hearty & Nourishing Comfort

If you’re on the hunt for a soup that checks all the boxes—comforting, healthy, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor—this Lentil Quinoa Soup is exactly what you need. It’s everything you want in a cozy meal: it’s light yet satisfying, full of protein, fiber, and veggies, and the best part is, it’s all made in one pot! Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or craving something hearty for dinner tonight, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lentil Quinoa Soup is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals that will leave you feeling nourished and energized. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those looking to eat clean without compromising on flavor. Plus, this one-pot wonder is super easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and gets even better the next day!

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (for serving)

Instructions
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. The smell of these veggies cooking in the olive oil is already making your kitchen feel like home!

2. Add the Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Allow these to cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step is crucial, as the spices infuse the soup with warmth and depth of flavor that will make every spoonful so comforting.

3. Add Lentils and Quinoa:
Now, toss in your rinsed red lentils and quinoa. Add the diced tomatoes (with all their juices) and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the spices coat the lentils and quinoa evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The lentils will soften, and the quinoa will cook through, creating a wonderfully thick and hearty base.

4. Stir in Greens:
Once the lentils and quinoa are tender, it’s time to add in the greens. You can use either kale or spinach—both work beautifully here. Stir them in and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, just long enough for the greens to wilt and become tender.

5. Season and Serve:
Once the soup is done simmering, season with salt and pepper to taste. Before serving, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to add a touch of brightness and a bit of zing. The lemon really brings all the flavors together and makes this soup pop!

Serving Suggestions
Lentil Quinoa Soup is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking for a complete meal, serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or top it with some avocado slices for added creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the flavor even more!

Tips and Tricks

• For extra protein: Add chickpeas or white beans to boost the protein content. These additions will blend seamlessly into the soup, providing even more fiber and filling power.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the garlic and spices. It gives the soup a nice kick!
• Smooth it out: If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. This will give you a rich, velvety consistency while still keeping some hearty chunks for texture.
• Make it smoky: For a smoky twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika when sautéing the garlic and vegetables. It adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to play with the veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes are great additions that will only enhance the soup’s flavor and texture.

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Storage Instructions
This Lentil Quinoa Soup is perfect for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. As it sits, the flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just leave a bit of room in the container for expansion. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out, as the quinoa and lentils absorb liquid as they sit. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Is this soup vegan?
Yes! It’s made with 100% plant-based ingredients, so it’s vegan-friendly.

Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! You can swap red lentils for green or brown lentils, but keep in mind that they take longer to cook—about 30-35 minutes. Red lentils cook faster and break down, giving the soup a smoother texture.

Do I need to rinse quinoa before cooking?
Yes, it’s important to rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural bitterness, which is caused by saponins. This step will ensure the quinoa tastes light and nutty.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! This soup is slow-cooker friendly. Simply add all the ingredients except the greens and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the greens at the end and cook for another 5 minutes. It’s an easy way to prepare a big batch for the week.

Will the quinoa make the soup thick?
Yes, quinoa naturally thickens the soup, but if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can always add extra broth when reheating or while simmering.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is super customizable. Bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even mushrooms are all great additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the lentils and quinoa.

Can I prep this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for several days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Conclusion
Lentil Quinoa Soup is a wonderfully satisfying and healthy meal that checks all the boxes: it’s easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prep. Whether you’re in need of a comforting bowl after a busy day or want to stock up on meals for the week, this soup is the perfect choice. Full of plant-based protein, fiber, and all the good-for-you nutrients, it will nourish your body and leave you feeling amazing. Wholesome, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, this soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Enjoy!