A comforting soup is packed with fresh greens and wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups chopped Russian kale, or more to taste
- 2 cups chopped Swiss chard, or more to taste
- 2 cups chopped mustard greens, or more to taste
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt to taste
Step 1
Heat some olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and turn the heat up to high so it comes to a boil. Once boiling, add the lentils, then lower the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently until the lentils are tender, which should take around 45 minutes.
Step 2
Toss in the kale, Swiss chard, and mustard greens. Let the soup simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the greens are nice and tender. Stir in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper, then take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
When it’s cool enough, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Pour it back into the pot and warm it up again for about 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens instead of kale, Swiss chard, and mustard greens?
Yes, you can substitute with spinach, collard greens, or any sturdy leafy greens you prefer.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, soaking is not necessary. Just rinse the lentils before adding them to the soup.
How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, use less broth or cook longer to reduce liquid. Add more broth or water if you want it thinner.
Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats on the stove or microwave.
Is nutritional yeast essential in this recipe?
It adds a cheesy, savory flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have any or prefer not to use it.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, dried thyme works well; just use about half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth and nutritional yeast are gluten-free.
What can I use if I don’t have a blender to puree the soup?
You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot or mash the lentils and greens with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
PV
By Priya Verma
Food Enthusiast
Priya focuses on making recipes easy and reliable, helping home cooks prepare meals with confidence.
