A hearty, earthy French lentil and mushroom soup made with tender green lentils, sautéed mushrooms, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs — a cozy, protein-packed vegan meal.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups French green lentils (lentilles du Puy), rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add mushrooms and cook for another 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Remove bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use French green lentils (lentilles du Puy) for best texture — they hold their shape well.
Add a splash of dry white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.