This comforting vegan lentil soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, featuring a creamy texture without the use of dairy. It incorporates warming spices like turmeric and ginger, making it perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (280g) uncooked green lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
• 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh lemon juice
• 4 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 1 ¼ teaspoons fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup raw cashews or sunflower seeds (for cream)
• Spices: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions

Prepare Cashew Cream:

• Blend the cashews (or sunflower seeds) with 1 cup of water until smooth. Set aside.

Sauté Vegetables:

• In a large pot, heat a small amount of broth over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Add the carrots and garlic; cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add Spices:

• Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook Lentils:

• Add the rinsed lentils and remaining broth to the pot. Stir in the maple syrup.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Finish Soup:

• Stir in the cashew cream, spinach, and lemon juice. Cook for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and the spinach wilts.

Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon juice if desired.

Variations of Vegan Lentil Soup

1. Coconut Lentil Soup: Use coconut milk for creaminess and add spices like sumac and ginger for a unique flavor profile.
2. Tortilla Lentil Soup: Incorporate black beans, corn, and jalapeños for a Southwestern twist, garnished with tortilla strips and lime[4].
3. Curried Lentil Soup: Add curry powder and cumin to give the soup a warm, spiced flavor, perfect for a hearty meal.
4. Mediterranean Lentil Soup: Include ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs such as basil or oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
5. Spicy Lentil Soup: Increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the base recipe.

Using Red Lentils Instead of Green Lentils

Yes, you can use red lentils instead of green lentils in this recipe. Red lentils cook faster and will create a creamier texture as they break down more during cooking. Adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes.

Making the Soup Spicier

To make the soup spicier:

• Add Fresh Chilies: Incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers.
• Use Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle in additional red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Hot Sauce: Stir in your favorite hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.

Additional Vegetables to Add

You can enhance the soup’s nutritional profile and flavor by adding:

• Leafy Greens: Such as kale, chard, or collard greens.
• Root Vegetables: Like sweet potatoes or parsnips for added sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: For crunch and sweetness.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor[1][3].

Making the Soup Without Cashew Cream

Yes, it is possible to make this soup without cashew cream. You can substitute it with:

• Silken Tofu: Blend it until smooth for a creamy texture.
• Coconut Milk: For richness without nuts.
• Nut-Free Cream Alternatives: Use sunflower seeds blended with water as a nut-free option[2][3].

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for any time of year.