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Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a hearty, nourishing dish to kick off your healthy eating goals, you can't go wrong with this Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals. It's brimming with colorful veggies, fiber-rich lentils, and bold flavors that make you look forward to every spoonful. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week, hosting a cozy dinner, or craving something comforting, this soup delivers. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein to keep you full and satisfied.
  • One-pot meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Gluten-free, dairy-free, and totally customizable for any dietary needs.
  • Freezes beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead healthy New Year meals.
  • Bursting with vibrant colors and satisfying, earthy flavors.

Ingredients for Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added preferred)
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Step 1: Sauté the Base Veggies

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and More Veggies

Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup is thickened.

Step 5: Stir in Greens and Finish

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for 2-3 more minutes until wilted. Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning as needed.

Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Step 6: Serve

Ladle into bowls, top with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Notes for Making Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • For even more flavor, sauté the spices with the veggies for 1 minute before adding the broth (learn more about blooming spices).
  • Rinsing lentils helps remove debris and ensures a cleaner taste.
  • If the soup thickens too much during storage, simply add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Variations on Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • Spicy Lentil Soup: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
  • Hearty Grain Addition: Stir in ½ cup cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make it even more filling.
  • Moroccan-Inspired: Mix in 1 teaspoon ground coriander and a pinch of cinnamon for a warming twist.

Required Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Storage Instructions for Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding broth if needed.

Suggested Pairings for Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • Serve with crusty whole grain bread or toasted sourdough for a filling meal.
  • Add a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette on the side.
  • Top with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra creaminess.

Pro Tips for Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

  • Chop your veggies uniformly for even cooking and the best texture (see this chopping guide).
  • Let the soup rest for 15 minutes before serving to develop deeper flavors.
  • Use homemade vegetable broth for an extra layer of freshness—here’s a great recipe: Homemade Vegetable Broth.

FAQ – Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?
Red lentils cook much faster and will result in a softer, creamier soup; reduce the simmer time to 20-25 minutes if using them.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months—just cool completely and use a freezer-safe container.
How can I make this soup higher in protein?
Stir in a drained can of chickpeas or white beans, or add some cooked quinoa near the end of cooking.
★★★★★ 4.10 from 80 ratings

Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

yield: 6 servings
prep: 20 mins
cook: 40 mins
total: 50 mins
A nourishing and hearty lentil soup loaded with fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy reset in the New Year. This comforting soup is high in protein and fiber, making it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner.
Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. 1
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. 2
    Stir in the garlic and zucchini, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
  4. 4
    Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  5. 5
    Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210cal
Protein: 12 gg
Fat: 4 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 36 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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