This spicy lentil kale soup is hearty, delicious and pretty budget friendly. Made in one pot for easy cleanup, it’s like a little bowl of goodness for your tummy!
This soup was made for Monday. Monday gets a bad rap sometimes. But, think about it. If there wasn’t a Monday, then Friday wouldn’t be so special. Monday is taking one for the team. And if Monday wasn’t a thing, would Tuesday be the new Monday? This is too much for today.
This spicy lentil soup is totally on the healthier side so it helps wipe away any weekend indulgences … that’s what I tell myself at least.
Totally ate too much this past weekend. Fries? Yes, please! Bacon and eggs? Sure! You had that extra glass of wine. Why not?
You had a busy week. You don’t even want to look at those skinny jeans Monday morning; it’s not gonna happen. No worries, fill yourself with this goodness, and get yourself set for an awesome week!
In my opinion, it’s all about balance. If you can’t indulge every once it a while (especially on the weekend), then that’s no fun at all. A little indulgence here, a little healthier there. Nothing complicated, just like this lentil and kale soup.
Why We Love Spicy Lentil Kale Soup
- It tastes delicious!
- This soup is loaded with veggies, like kale, which adds flavour and heartiness.
- It’s pretty budget friendly with simple pantry staples, like red lentils.
- Uses ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- It’s made in one pot for easy cleanup.
What To Serve with Soup
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Simple green salad
- Crusty bread for dunking
- Croutons (delicious over top of the soup)
I don’t know about you, but I could eat soup all year-round. And it’s weird because I like to say I run hot. Like, I’m usually always warm. But, offered a bowl of comforting soup and I’m all in. Hope you love this lentil soup as much as we do! It’s great on a cold day!
More Yummy Veggie Soups
If you make this spicy lentil soup recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!
This lentil kale soup was originally published in July 2015 but has been updated.
Spicy Lentil Kale Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 2 red Thai chili peppers, minced (or to taste)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced about ¼-inch thick
- 2 ribs celery, sliced about ¼-inch thick
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, blend tomatoes with an immersion blender or roughly mash with a potato masher to break up before using
- ½ cup dried red lentils, picked over (remove and discard any rocks, foreign objects and imperfect lentils), rinsed and drained
- 6 cups chopped kale (bite-size pieces, leaves only, no stems)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
- Grated Parmesan cheese, garnish to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. (I used an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven.)
- Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and chili peppers and cook for about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, thyme, oregano, salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, tomatoes and lentils. Stir.
- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat (to about medium-low) to maintain a simmer. Cook, covered, for 5 minutes. Next, stir in kale and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes until it's wilted.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar.
- Serve and garnish with Parmesan cheese (if using). Enjoy!
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
© Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat says
This soup looks so tasty! Perfect comfort food as we transition into spring!! I looove lentils and kale 🙂
Girl Heart Food says
Thank you Sasha 🙂 Me too!
Marlee says
I love the feel of this soup! I am very much broth-based soup kind of girl. And I’m always trying to find new ways to cook lentils so this is perfect!
Girl Heart Food says
Thank you Marlee 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try this one out!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
I’m always running cold, so a hot bowl of soup is always welcomed! This healthy soup IS the perfect recover food after a weekend of overindulgence. I’m definitely going to keep it on my radar the next time I enjoy my weekend a little too much!
Girl Heart Food says
Haha – good idea 😉 Thanks Thao!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
There’s nothing better than a one pot meal full of delicious goodness! This looks like a satisfying meal!
Girl Heart Food says
So true! Thanks Kathy! If you do get that snow, this would be just perfect 😉
Kevin O'Leary says
I can’t wait to curl up with a big bowl of this!
Girl Heart Food says
With cold temps still lingering, I hear ya Kevin 😉
Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale says
The ingredient combination in this soup is so wholesome. It is a great way to sneak in some kale. I love the beautiful colors. I am eating clean this week. I will have to try this. Thank you dear!
Girl Heart Food says
Thank you Katie!! Good luck with your clean eating…this soup should help 😉 XOXO
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Dawn – I had a super indulgent weekend too and this soup is exactly what I need to detox my poor body!! With healthy recipes like these, at least you don’t have to feel toooo bad about those fries you ate 😉
I have all of the ingredients except the kale for this soup – which can easily be remedied! Can’t wait to try it, especially since it’s still soup weather outside!!! XO
Girl Heart Food says
Haha – so true 😉 And glad I’m not the only one!! I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one, Katherine! Thanks so much 🙂 XO