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    Home » Recipes » Soup

    Lentil Kale Soup with Potatoes

    Mar 20, 2016 by Kaitlin

    A nourishing vegan Lentil Kale Soup recipe with potatoes and warm, flavorful spices! It's easy to make and filled with satisfying plant-based nutrients. (Vegan, gluten free, oil free.)

    Bowl of vegan lentil kale potato soup with spoon

    This hearty lentil soup recipe is easy, healthy, and budget-friendly. We find it's great for lunches and leftovers throughout the week.

    Plus it's only 10 simple ingredients that are mostly pantry staples. So it's a great option for busy weeknights or even meal prep.

    The lentil, potato, and kale combination is so satisfying and nourishing. Plus it's filled with plant-based protein, fiber, and other nutrients.

    Dry brown lentils in a glass jar with wooden spoon

    Ingredients for Lentil Kale Soup

    For this recipe you will simmer in a large pot:

    • Yellow onion: Or you can use white onion or sweet onion if desired.
    • Carrot
    • Fresh garlic cloves: Or you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons dried garlic powder instead.
    • Gold potato: I like Yukon gold potatoes with this recipe because they are nice and buttery, but use white potato, red potato, or russet potato if desired.
    • Green lentils or brown lentils: I like the earthy taste and texture of green or brown lentils with this recipe. I have not tested it with red lentils or black lentils, but they could probably work too. (Red lentils will be more of a stew-like consistency after they boil.)
    • Diced tomatoes: You can either use regular or fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
    • Vegetable broth: Be sure to use low sodium if desired.
    • Fresh kale: Either curly or lacinato kale will work. Stir in as much or as little as you would like. You could also substitute with swiss chard or fresh baby spinach.
    • Ground cumin
    • Smoked paprika
    Vegan kale and potato soup with lentils in a bowl

    Customizing

    Change up the spices or vegetables as you see fit. A few ideas include:

    Herbs + seasonings: I like the warm taste of cumin and smoked paprika, but this would be great with many other flavors too. Switch it up with dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasonings, or turmeric. Or garnish your bowl with fresh herbs, black pepper, or lemon juice before serving.

    Make it spicy: Add fire-roasted tomatoes with medium diced chiles, cayenne pepper, or simply top with your favorite hot sauce before enjoying.

    Vegetables: Add other veggies as desired. Zucchini, celery, yellow summer squash, bell pepper, spinach, green beans, peas, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, swiss chard, etc.

    Thickness: This soup is dense. So if you prefer yours with more broth, then reduce lentils (to about 2/3 cup to 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup). Or simply add more broth or water during cooking.

    Storing

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. We find they keep for about 4-5 days.

    Tip: We find it's a great leftover meal! Simply reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

    Kale Potato Soup with lentils in a bowl

    For more inspiration, also browse all potato recipes or soup recipes.

    Bowl of vegan lentil kale potato soup with spoon

    Lentil Kale Soup with Potatoes

    A nourishing lentil kale soup with hearty potato and flavorful spices. Warm, cozy, and filled with plant-based nutrients.
    4.85 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 6 medium bowls

    Ingredients

    • 1 yellow onion
    • 2 carrots
    • 3-4 cloves garlic
    • 2 medium gold potatoes (about 2 heaping cups cubed)
    • 1 cup green/brown lentils, uncooked
    • 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (or fire-roasted)
    • 5 cups vegetable broth (or 4 cups broth + 1 cup water)
    • 1/2 bunch kale (curly or lacinato)
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika

    Instructions

    • Dice onion and carrot.
    • In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté onion and carrot for about 7 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/broth for no-oil sauté method.)
    • Meanwhile, mince garlic and dice potato.
    • Add garlic, potatoes, cumin, and paprika to pot. Stir and sauté 1 minute.
    • Add 5 cups broth, tomatoes with juice, and lentils (rinsed and drained).
    • Increase heat and bring to a light boil. Then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
    • Meanwhile, roughly tear/chop kale into bite-size pieces, large stems removed.
    • Stir in kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Salt/pepper to taste as desired.

    Notes

    Thickness: This soup is fairly dense. If you prefer yours more brothy, reduce lentils (to about 2/3 - 3/4 cup) or add more broth/water during cooking as desired.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Lentil Kale Soup with Potatoes
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    201
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Potassium
     
    812
    mg
    23
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    39
    g
    13
    %
    Fiber
     
    13
    g
    54
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    11
    g
    22
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    4554
    IU
    91
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    28
    mg
    34
    %
    Calcium
     
    71
    mg
    7
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan Lentil Kale Potato Soup, also check out:

    • Lentil Orzo Spinach Soup
    • Vegetable Barley Soup
    • Vegan Taco Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
    • White Bean Tomato Soup with Kale

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Soup + Chili Recipes

    • Mushroom Chili
    • Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup
    • Lentil Cabbage Soup
    • Vegan Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Kellie

      January 23, 2023 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      I decided I was going to incorporate lentils into my diet. The problem was, I had never made them or even tasted them before. I found this recipe and decided to give it a try. Glad I did, it was delicious. Even better the second day!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        January 24, 2023 at 8:44 am

        Hello Kellie! That's so awesome, and congrats on your first lentil cooking experience! Love that you want to include them in your diet, and I'm honored you gave my recipe a try. Thanks so much for coming back to leave such a sweet comment & review. (PS: If you want more inspiration, you can browse all my lentil recipes here.) Wishing you a lovely rest of the week!

        Reply
    2. Stephanie

      May 25, 2022 at 9:55 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely PHENOMENAL soup. Don’t know how I’m going to stop eating/making it. Here’s you sign that you HAVE to make this.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        May 25, 2022 at 11:18 am

        So wonderful to hear you enjoyed it, Stephanie! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your very kind feedback!

        Reply
    3. Sue

      January 26, 2022 at 3:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was awesome! Will definitely be making again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        January 26, 2022 at 6:02 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
    4. Ryan

      November 27, 2021 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      This is a fantastic tasting, simple to make and very filling stew. When I make it, I make 50-60 portions at a time, as it freezes very well. Has become one of my staple favorites.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        November 27, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Really great to hear, Ryan! So glad it's been a successful freezer meal for you. Thank you for sharing your helpful feedback!

        Reply
    5. Dominika

      September 21, 2021 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        September 21, 2021 at 3:00 pm

        Wonderful to hear, Dominika! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    6. Jess

      February 28, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      So good! Very easy, lots of flavor. I used spinach. Will make again

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        March 06, 2021 at 1:08 pm

        Wonderful! So happy to hear you gave this a try and enjoyed, Jess. Thanks for your kind feedback!

        Reply
    7. Ben

      November 26, 2019 at 9:17 pm

      5 stars
      Great tasting soup and perfect for the cool weather around here lately. I had some of that Trader Joe's kale in a bag so I just put it in the bowl raw and dump the soup over it. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        December 03, 2019 at 7:43 am

        Hey Ben! Fantastic to hear you enjoyed this, and I love your kale idea! Thanks so much for the kind feedback.

        Reply
    8. Becky Foster

      August 30, 2016 at 6:50 pm

      I just found your site a couple days ago. I made this soup last night, for lunches for the next few days. Holy cow, is this good! I added a little black pepper and cayenne to it, because I like a kick! This recipe will go into my rotation, and I will be exploring many more of your recipes!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        September 17, 2016 at 3:44 pm

        Hi Becky! So great to hear that! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    9. Elizabeth Hamilton

      March 20, 2016 at 7:48 pm

      Looks so yummy! Have you ever tried it with sweet potatoes?

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        March 20, 2016 at 7:53 pm

        Hi Elizabeth! Yes! Great with sweet potatoes, too.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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