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Rustic soup in a bowl with bread on the side, made with just 5 ingredients, quick and easy dinner.

5-Ingredient Soup Recipes

This hearty, nourishing soup comes together with just five main ingredients and delivers rich flavor and cozy comfort. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, and warming spices, it’s a perfect plant-based option for busy nights or meal prep. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Pantry basics (optional, not counted in 5):

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Water as needed for consistency

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  • Add the cubed sweet potatoes and rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir to combine.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender.
  • Stir in the ground cumin. Use an immersion blender to purée part or all of the soup for a creamy texture, or leave it chunky if preferred.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of water or more broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • Serve hot with fresh herbs, lemon juice, or crusty gluten-free bread if desired.

Notes

  • You can make this soup in a pressure cooker (8 minutes on high pressure + quick release).
  • To add a creamy finish, stir in a splash of coconut milk or unsweetened plant-based yogurt before serving.
  • Keeps well in the fridge for 4–5 days and freezes beautifully.
  • Great for meal prep and packed lunches.
  • Author: Opera Cook
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Global
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 1 bowl)
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: 5-ingredient soup, lentil soup, sweet potato soup, easy vegan soup, gluten-free soup, healthy meal prep, quick fall dinner, comfort food, budget-friendly, plant-based