Winter Vegetable & Lentil Soup

Comfort food, but make it intentional.

January always asks us to slow down, reset, and warm up from the inside out. After the holidays, I crave meals that feel grounding without feeling heavy—and this Winter Vegetable & Lentil Soup does exactly that.

Packed with carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic, lentils, and thyme, this soup is simple, nourishing, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of meal you make once and eat all week, feeling a little better every time you reheat it.

This recipe is about easing into the year gently. No extremes. Just warmth, nourishment, and a reminder that fresh starts don’t have to be loud.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but recommended)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1–2 cups chopped winter greens (kale or spinach)

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, but brightens everything)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Stir in garlic, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic.

3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

4. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

5. Stir in kale or spinach and cook for 3–5 minutes until wilted.

6. Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serving Notes

• Serve with crusty bread, sourdough, or a grilled cheese moment

• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days

• Freezes beautifully

Nothing complicated. Nothing performative. Just food that’s meant to be enjoyed, shared, and returned to again and again. This recipe is meant to meet you exactly where you are — whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a few, or just looking for something comforting to anchor your week.

Here is a cute and fancy recipe card too!

If you make this dish, I’d love to hear how it turns out or how you made it your own. Save it, share it, or come back to it when you need something familiar.

Here’s to cooking with intention, eating with ease, and finding small moments of joy right where you are.

Until next month 🤍

— Bri