Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Broccoli Recipe

Hearty Lentil Vegetable Soup is a nourishing one-pot meal made with tender lentils, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Onion, garlic, cumin, and dried herbs build a savory base, while lentils provide protein and a satisfying texture.

This easy lentil vegetable soup is a practical choice for chilly evenings, simple weeknight dinners, or preparing meals ahead. Made with everyday pantry staples and fresh vegetables, it requires minimal preparation and simmers into a thick, hearty soup. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a wholesome meal.

What Makes This Lentil Vegetable Soup Worth Making

• One-Pot Cooking: The vegetables, lentils, and broth cook together in one pot, making preparation straightforward and cleanup easier.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Dried lentils, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and basic seasonings form the foundation of the recipe.
• Plant-Based Protein: Lentils provide protein and fiber, making this soup a filling option for vegetarian and vegan meals.
• Flexible Vegetables: The recipe works with several vegetables, allowing you to use what is available in your kitchen.
• Suitable for Beginners: Simple chopping, sautéing, and simmering are the main techniques required.

Key Ingredients for Hearty Lentil Vegetable Soup

1. Brown or Green Lentils: One cup of rinsed lentils provides the soup with substance and a tender, slightly firm texture. Brown and green varieties generally hold their shape better than red lentils.
2. Onion, Carrots, and Celery: This combination creates a savory vegetable base. Dice the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they soften evenly during cooking.
3. Garlic and Tomato Paste: Garlic adds aroma, while tomato paste deepens the savory flavor. Cooking the tomato paste briefly before adding the liquids helps develop its taste.
4. Diced Tomatoes and Vegetable Broth: Canned tomatoes contribute acidity and texture, while low-sodium vegetable broth provides the liquid base without making the soup overly salty.
5. Dried Herbs and Spices: Thyme, oregano, and cumin give the soup an earthy, aromatic character. Measuring the spices carefully keeps their flavors balanced.

Chef’s Tip: Let the tomato paste cook with the garlic and seasonings for about a minute before adding the broth. This quick step develops a deeper savory base without adding extra ingredients.

Sticky Sesame Chickpeas Broccoli Recipe

Knorr Spinach Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer made with chopped spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a packet of Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix. The seasoning blend adds plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of spices, while the spinach gives the dip its classic taste and texture.

This easy no-cook dip is ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and casual snacking. Prepare it ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator so the flavors have time to blend. Serve it with crackers, fresh vegetables, or bread for a simple appetizer that comes together with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Colander or clean kitchen towel
• Airtight container

Ingredients

  

• 1 package 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 1 container 16 ounces sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet 1.4 ounces Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix
• 1 can 8 ounces water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped, optional
• 3 green onions thinly sliced, optional

Instructions

 

• Remove the frozen spinach from its packaging and thaw it completely. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave according to the package directions. Once thawed, place the spinach in a colander and press out as much liquid as possible. For the best texture, squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can make the dip watery.
  
• Add the sour cream and mayonnaise to a large mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. These ingredients create the creamy base that helps the vegetable seasoning blend distribute throughout the dip.
  
• Sprinkle the Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix into the bowl and stir well. Add the thoroughly drained spinach, then mix until it is evenly distributed. If using water chestnuts and green onions, fold them in now for extra crunch and a fresh onion flavor.
  
• Cover the bowl or transfer the mixture to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the seasoning to hydrate and the flavors to blend. For a stronger flavor, prepare the dip the night before.
  
• Before serving, stir the dip well and taste it. The seasoning mix usually provides enough salt, so additional salt may not be necessary. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve chilled with crackers, sliced vegetables, pita chips, or bread.
  

Notes

• Drain the spinach thoroughly: This is the most important step for a thick, creamy dip. Too much liquid can make the mixture runny.
• Use the correct seasoning mix: Knorr Vegetable Recipe Mix is the classic choice for this recipe. Knorr products and packet sizes can vary by country, so check the package and adjust as needed.
• Skip the water chestnuts if preferred: They add a crisp texture, but the dip is still delicious without them.
• Adjust the consistency: For a thicker dip, use a little less mayonnaise. For a lighter texture, replace some of the mayonnaise with additional sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
• Make it ahead: This dip can be prepared up to 24 hours before serving. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

Easy Variations for Lentil Vegetable Soup

• Mediterranean-Inspired Soup: Add a little smoked paprika and finish with extra parsley and lemon juice for a brighter herbal profile.
• Lentil and Chickpea Soup: Add cooked chickpeas near the end of cooking for more texture and plant-based protein.
• Spicy Lentil Soup: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and spices for gentle heat.
• Mushroom Lentil Soup: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion, carrots, and celery for a deeper, earthy flavor.
• Green Vegetable Version: Add chopped zucchini or green beans during simmering for more vegetable variety.

More Soup Recipes to Try

1. Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
3. Honey Bourbon Chicken Recipe
4. Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
5. Irish Cottage Pie Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do lentils need to be soaked before making this soup?
   No. Brown and green lentils generally do not need soaking for this recipe. Rinse them under cold water and remove any small debris before cooking.
2. How do I know when lentils are fully cooked?
   Taste a few lentils after the recommended simmering time. They should be tender throughout while retaining their shape, without a hard or chalky center.
3. Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
   Yes. Water can replace the vegetable broth, but the soup may have a milder flavor. You may need to adjust the herbs, spices, and salt to compensate.
4. Why does this recipe include a potato?
   The diced potato adds body and a soft texture to the broth. As it cooks, some of its starch helps give the soup a fuller consistency.
5. Can I cook this soup in a pressure cooker?
   Yes, although the cooking method and timing will differ. Follow your pressure cooker’s instructions for dried lentils and account for the time needed for pressure to build and release.
6. What is the purpose of adding lemon juice at the end?
   Lemon juice provides acidity that balances the earthy lentils and savory vegetables. Adding it near the end preserves its fresh, bright taste.
7. Can I make this soup without tomato paste?
   Yes. You can omit the tomato paste, although the broth will have a slightly less concentrated tomato flavor. The diced tomatoes will still contribute acidity and tomato flavor to the soup.