Vegan Linzen (Lentil) Soup
| Plant-Based Recipe

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this vegan linzen (lentil) soup. They’re pantry staples, but if you don’t have them, you can readily source them from your nearest grocery store, or opt for alternatives.

Onions. These are going to create the savoury base for our recipe. In terms of benefits, onions are anti-bacterial and support bone and heart health.

Garlic cloves. These add a pungent taste that mellows as the recipe will simmer. Plus, garlic can help boost your immune system—and fight the cold and flu. (If one of your loved ones has a cold, you know what to whip up for them!).

Smoked paprika. This will add a depth of flavour to the recipe. You can replace this with sweet paprika or Hungarian paprika (but for a slightly different flavour profile).

Parsnips. These add earthiness as well as sweetness to the soup. Parsnips provide your body with antioxidants and may help with your weight loss goals.

Potatoes. When you cook these until they become tender, you’ll be adding body to the soup. I recommend leaving on the skins; this adds texture (as well as fibre and micro-nutrients). If you’re looking for some natural sweetness, sweet potatoes can make a good substitute. 

Carrots. This ingredient will factor in that stunning orange colour into the recipe. Plus, carrots provide a crazy amount of beta-carotene—your body will later use this to make vitamin A.

Green lentils. The heart of the soup! These add protein and fibre to our vegan linzen soup. The cool part is that green lentils cook quickly and wouldn’t require pre-soaking. You may use brown or black lentils instead, but these have different cooking times.

Celery. This is going to add a subtle salty vegetal flavour to the soup. Oh, and that crunch! If celery isn’t available, you can easily use celeriac or leeks, for example.

Vegetable stock + 1 tbsp Marmite (or any yeast extract). These ingredients add flavour to the soup. You can use homemade vegetable broth for a stronger flavour—or store-bought options for added convenience. Marmite, on the other hand, adds a satisfying umami taste.

Dry mixed herbs. A blend of dried herbs (e.g. thyme, oregano, and rosemary) adds complexity to the soup. I also love the added earthiness!

Parsley. Fresh is preferable, but you can also use dried parsley.

Essige Essenz Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar). Vinegar adds a splash of acidity to our recipe. You can use any vinegar you have available, though.

Pinch of salt & pepper to taste.