Easy & Creamy Vegan Red Lentil Soup with Soy: A Quick Comfort Food Meal

Inspired by: @david-

Looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that's ready in a flash? This easy & creamy vegan red lentil soup is your perfect answer! Ideal for busy weeknights, cozy evenings, or whenever you crave a warming, nutritious bowl of comfort, this recipe comes together quickly with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a dairy-free, gluten-free, high-protein, and incredibly flavorful soup that satisfies and nourishes.

This vibrant red lentil soup, originally shared by abillion user @david-, proves that incredible flavor doesn't require hours in the kitchen. By incorporating aromatic Ras el Hanout and a hint of zesty harissa, it offers a unique twist on a classic, elevating it to a truly memorable dish. Plus, with the addition of creamy soy milk, it achieves a luxurious, silky texture that makes every spoonful a delight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with protein and fiber from red lentils, alongside essential vegetables.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Naturally suited for various dietary needs, without compromising on taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible and affordable pantry staples.
• Rich & Aromatic Flavor: The unique blend of Ras el Hanout and harissa paste creates a warm, inviting, and slightly spicy depth.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting bowl of soup:

• • 1 medium onion (chopped)
• • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• • 1 medium carrot (peeled and cut into small pieces)
• • 2 celery stalks (cut into small pieces)
• • 200g red lentils (rinsed)
• • 2 tbsp Ras el Hanout (a fragrant Moroccan spice blend)
• • 2 tbsp neutral oil (like sunflower or rapeseed oil)
• • 200 ml vegetable stock
• • 150 ml soy milk (or soy yogurt for extra tang)
• • 1 tbsp harissa paste
• • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• • Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

• • Large pot or Dutch oven
• • Sharp knife
• • Cutting board
• • Immersion blender or standard blender

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious vegan red lentil soup:

1. Heat the neutral oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the chopped carrot and celery. Add the rinsed red lentils and Ras el Hanout spice blend. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to lightly toast the spices and vegetables.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and soy milk. Add the harissa paste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the lentils are completely soft.
4. Once the lentils are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender and blend until smooth (be cautious when blending hot liquids).
5. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting, homemade soup!

Tips & Variations

Variations

• Spice It Up (or Down!): Adjust the amount of harissa paste to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. For a milder soup, reduce the harissa or omit it entirely.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, kale, or chopped bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Boost the Protein: Crumble in some firm tofu or tempeh while simmering for an even heartier meal.
• Swap the "Cream": While soy milk offers a great creamy texture, you can experiment with other unsweetened plant milks like cashew cream or oat milk for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Garnish Get Creative: A swirl of extra soy milk, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of vegan yogurt can add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Tips & Hacks

• Immersion Blender Magic: An immersion blender is your best friend for making creamy soups quickly and with minimal cleanup. If using a regular blender, remember to vent the lid to allow steam to escape and avoid overfilling.
• Don't Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the aromatics and spices briefly before adding liquids deepens their flavor, creating a more complex and rich soup base.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup is fantastic for meal prepping! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little more vegetable stock or water after puréeing until you reach your desired consistency.

Relevant Images

These images show the journey of crafting this delicious Red Lentil Soup, from fresh ingredients to the comforting finished bowl.

All the vibrant, fresh ingredients ready to be transformed into a comforting soup.

The soup bubbling away, promising warmth and flavor.

The finished, perfectly smooth and creamy Red Lentil Soup.

Related Recipes

Craving more warm, wholesome meals? Dive into these other delicious abillion recipes:

• Explore a spicy and satisfying option: Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup
• Discover another lentil favorite: Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice
• Try a different creamy soup: Easy Creamy Vegan Sweet Corn & Quinoa Soup
• For more root vegetable goodness: Cozy Roasted Carrot, Parsnip & Potato Soup

Ready to warm up with this incredible soup?

Give it a try tonight! This easy & creamy vegan red lentil soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Share your culinary creations with the abillion community and inspire others with your plant-based cooking journey! Discover more easy vegan recipes on abillion!