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Creamy Lentil Soup with Kale

A warm and inviting dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food with a lush, velvety texture and hearty greens.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups green lentils Packed with protein and earthy flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided, adds richness to the soup.
  • 1 large onion Peeled and diced, creates a flavor base.
  • 3 cloves garlic Brings a fragrant, zesty punch.
  • 2 medium carrots Peeled and diced, adds natural sweetness.
  • 10 cups water Or vegetable broth for deeper flavor.
  • 2 cubes Not Chick'n Broth Vegan chicken flavor or use veggie broth.
  • 2 teaspoons salt Omit if using vegetable broth.
  • 4 cups kale Dark, leafy, and adds health benefits.
  • 1 lemon Cut in wedges, balances the soup.
  • 1.5 cups vegan sour cream Makes the soup irresistibly indulgent.

Method
 

Step 1: Start Cooking the Lentils
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add in the green lentils. Cook for about 15 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. While the lentils are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions are translucent (about 5 to 7 minutes).
Step 3: Add Carrots and Broth
  1. Stir in diced carrots along with 10 cups of water and vegan broth cubes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until carrots are tender.
Step 4: Combine Lentils and Simmer
  1. Add the cooked and rinsed lentils to the pot. Let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Kale
  1. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt over the clean kale in a separate bowl. Massage the kale until it turns dark, shiny, and tender.
Step 6: Incorporate the Kale
  1. Add the massaged kale to the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 7: Add Sour Cream
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in the vegan sour cream until well combined, or serve it on the side.

Notes

For more flavor, add a bay leaf during the simmering stage. Blend a portion for a creamy consistency. Add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra flavor. For a filling option, diced potatoes or quinoa can be added.