A Cozy Start to Plant-Based Cooking
When I first started experimenting with vegan cooking, soups were my safe place. They felt forgiving, flexible, and comforting—perfect for learning without pressure. On busy evenings or chilly weekends, I would chop a few vegetables, simmer them gently, and let the kitchen fill with warm, inviting aromas. Vegan soups are especially beginner-friendly because they don’t rely on complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Instead, they celebrate simple vegetables, spices, and pantry staples coming together in nourishing ways. This article focuses on a delicious vegan soup recipe that’s easy to follow, flavorful, and ideal for anyone just starting their plant-based journey. It’s proof that vegan cooking can be both simple and deeply satisfying.
Easy Vegan Vegetable Lentil Soup
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and carrots until softened.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils and vegetable broth.
- Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Season and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Vegan Soup as a Beginner
Making vegan soup is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start cooking plant-based meals. Begin by preparing all your ingredients before turning on the stove. Chop the onion and carrots evenly so they cook at the same rate, and rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any excess starch.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, stirring occasionally for about five minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This step creates the flavor foundation of the soup, so take your time and avoid rushing it. Once the vegetables are tender, add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the rinsed red lentils directly to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and increase the heat slightly until the soup reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25 minutes. During this time, the lentils will soften and begin to break down, naturally thickening the soup.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the lentils are fully tender, season the soup with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning gradually. If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve the soup warm, as-is or with crusty bread. This recipe is forgiving, customizable, and perfect for building confidence in vegan cooking.
Conclusion
Delicious vegan soup recipes are the perfect starting point for beginners exploring plant-based cooking. They’re simple, affordable, and packed with flavor and nutrition. This easy lentil vegetable soup shows how a few basic ingredients can come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal. As you grow more confident, you can experiment with spices, vegetables, and textures to make each soup your own. Whether you’re cooking for health, curiosity, or compassion, vegan soups offer a warm, welcoming introduction to a plant-based kitchen.