Name: Reset with Veggie-Packed Lentil Soup – Healthy New Year Meals
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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

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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.

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