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

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
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp fennel seeds,
• 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
• Vegan parmesan cheese
• Your favorite bread

Instructions

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.