This easy vegetarian lentil and rice soup is crazy flavorful and loaded with healthy veggies. It’s hearty and filling enough to be a main dish or you can pair a cup of this tasty soup with with a sandwich or side salad. It’s great every which way!
This cozy soup really needs no introduction. It’s a total powerhouse and the perfect combination of healthy and delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need to make it!
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery ribs
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp Italian seasoning <– this one is my FAVORITE!
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 14.5 ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dried lentils
- 1/2 cup white rice
- 2 dried bay leaves
- fresh parsley for topping (optional)
Optional Extras
Want to sneak more gorgeous greens into your face? Before spooning into bowls, swirl 1 cup of chopped spinach or kale into the soup then serve.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is another tasty topping option if you’re a fan or you can add fresh parsley on top.
Lentil and Rice Soup
This flavorful one-pot Lentil and Rice soup is cozy and delicious! As written it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
The recipe yields 6 cups of soup or 3 bowls.
Lentil and Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery ribs
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning blend*
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼-½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 14.5 ounce can of crushed fire roasted tomatoes
- ½ cup dried lentils (brown or green)
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
- 2 dried bay leaves
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- warmed baguette or garlic bread for dunking
- freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
- chopped parsley, spinach, or kale to swirl in at the end
Instructions
- Peel and dice onion and carrots. Finely chop celery. Smash and peel garlic, then mince.
- Heat a large dutch oven (or heavy duty pot) to medium-high heat with 2 tsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add onion, carrot, and celery and saute until vegetables are tender, approx. 7 minutes.
- Next add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook for an additional minute, stirring the whole time to prevent sticking.
- Add broth and crushed tomatoes (juices and all) then stir in dried lentils, uncooked rice, and bay leaves then bring pot to a boil.
- Once soup is vigorously bubbling, reduce heat to a low simmer and cover. Set a timer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove lid and stir well. Scoop out bay leaves when you come across them stirring the soup. Give soup a taste test to ensure the rice and lentils are tender and cooked through. Add any additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.
- Ready to eat? Ladle into cups or bowls and enjoy piping hot with your choice of optional extras. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
You can make this soup all on it’s own and serve it with a slightly warmed baguette or garlic bread on the side for dunking or pair it with a side salad or half a sandwich for some variety.
Here are some recipes that pair great with this soup:
T-Rex Version + Variations
Though I love this soup exactly as is, it’s also amazing with added italian sausage or ground beef. You would simply add some extra spices and additional broth as needed depending on how much you’re adding to the soup. You’re also welcome to use chicken broth in place of veggie broth for this savory soup.
Looking for More Lentil Recipes?
One of my most popular lentil recipes is my Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup, which can be made stove top, in the Instant Pot, and in a slow cooker. It currently has 200+ ★★★★★ rave reviews and counting. Love it so!
- NEW! Black Bean Lentil Nachos
- Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
- READER FAVORITE: Vegan Lentil Chili
- Crockpot Madras Lentils (vegan + vegetarian)
- Lentil Taco Salad
If you get a chance to try this lentil and rice soup recipe, let me know!
Leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your tasty creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Questions & Reviews
Making right now and it smells SO good!