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4.9 from 99 votes

Nourishing Cabbage, Fennel & Lentil Soup (1 Pot!)

Comforting, 1-pot soup with cabbage, fennel, lentils, kale, and Italian-inspired seasonings. An easy, nourishing, gluten-free and plant-based meal!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 (~1 ½ cup servings)
Calories: 251 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: Italian , Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil (plus more for serving // if oil-free, sub twice the amount of water)
  • 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped (1 large onion yields ~ 3 cups or 225 g)
  • 1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and finely chopped (or sub 2 stalks of celery // 1 medium fennel bulb yields ~ 2 cups chopped or 210 g)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely chopped (2 large carrots yield ~3/4 cup or 90 g)
  • 1/2 tsp each Sea salt and black pepper
  • 6 cups green cabbage, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
  • 2 cups chopped kale (curly or Lacinato), sliced into 1/4-inch slices (or use more cabbage — we like the added color and texture of the kale)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp fennel seeds, crushed lightly in a mortar & pestle or spice grinder (or leave whole)
  • 1 heaping tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2-1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 8 cups vegetable broth (or store-bought)
  • 1 medium-large yellow potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch chunks (1 potato yields ~3 cups or 300g)
  • 1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup dry green lentils
FOR SERVING optional
  • Vegan Parmesan Cheese
  • Your favorite bread (we love garlic bread or focaccia)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, fennel (or celery), and carrot. Sauté gently for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft. Stir in the salt and pepper — don’t be tempted to turn the heat up to speed this up or the veggies won’t get as sweet.
  2. Add in the cabbage and kale (if using), and sauté for another 5 minutes until wilted. Then stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute until the fennel seeds are fragrant.
  3. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced potatoes, crushed tomatoes, and lentils. Bring to a simmer, cover (with the lid slightly ajar), and simmer on medium-low for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
  4. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more salt for overall flavor or red pepper flakes for heat.
  5. We like to top bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan and serve with garlic bread or focaccia bread.
  6. Leftover soup will keep well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without optional ingredients.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 251 (13%) Carbohydrates 43.6g (15%) Protein 9.5g (19%) Fat 5.8g (9%) Saturated Fat 0.8g (4%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g Monounsaturated Fat 3.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 1089mg (45%) Potassium 851mg (24%) Fiber 11.4g (46%) Sugar 12.9g (26%) Vitamin A 785IU (16%) Vitamin C 52mg (58%) Calcium 161mg (16%) Iron 4.2mg (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6(~1 ½ cup servings)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 251

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 251 13%
Carbohydrates 43.6g 15%
Protein 9.5g 19%
Fat 5.8g 9%
Saturated Fat 0.8g 4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g 5%
Monounsaturated Fat 3.5g 18%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1089mg 45%
Potassium 851mg 18%
Fiber 11.4g 46%
Sugar 12.9g 26%
Vitamin A 785IU 16%
Vitamin C 52mg 58%
Calcium 161mg 16%
Iron 4.2mg 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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