Vegetarian Lentil and Kale Soup with Roots

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-06 · Updated 2026-07-06

A nourishing soup combining protein-rich lentils with hearty kale and root vegetables, delivering a cozy meal inspired by local produce. This Mediterranean-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs dry green lentils, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup, rinsed dry green lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 3 medium, diced carrots
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups, chopped, tough stems removed kale leaves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed dry green lentils, then pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and add 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.
4. Step 4: After 25 minutes, add 4 cups chopped kale and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes until lentils are tender and kale is wilted.
5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf, season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp black pepper, and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving.