Oil-Free Low-Calorie Vegan Lentil Soup (Oil-Free)

Cozy up with a bowl of this hearty, low-calorie vegan lentil soup. Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, all while being low in calories. This soup is simple to make, delicious, and perfect for any day of the year, but especially comforting during the colder months.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry green lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions:

Prep the Vegetables:

In a large pot, add a splash of vegetable broth and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent, adding small amounts of broth as needed to prevent sticking.

Cook the Soup:

Add the carrots and celery to the pot and continue to cook for about 5 minutes, adding a little broth if the vegetables begin to stick.

Stir in the ground cumin, dried thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomato, and remaining vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Final Touches:

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like a tangy flavor, stir in the juice of half a lemon.

Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot, and enjoy with crusty bread if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 230 calories per serving.
• Protein: Rich in protein, providing about 12 grams per serving.
• Fiber: High in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and satiety.

Bon Appetit!
This Low-Calorie Vegan Lentil Soup is not only satisfying and flavorful but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a perfect dish to incorporate into your weight loss plan or when you need something comforting without overloading on calories. Enjoy this delicious soup and embrace the warmth and wellness it brings to your table!

This recipe is designed to be both nutritious and suitable for those looking to maintain a healthy vegan diet. It's easy to prepare and can be a staple in your dietary routine, providing essential nutrients without the excess calories.

Enjoy your nourishing and comforting bowl of oil-free vegan lentil soup, perfect for a healthy diet and cozy meals!