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    Home » Soup » Grated Carrot & Red Lentil Soup with Cabbage

    Grated Carrot & Red Lentil Soup with Cabbage

    Published: Feb 11, 2022 · Modified: Apr 26, 2025 by Jacqueline Meldrum · 24 Comments

    A simple recipe for a hearty and healthy pot of grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage. Filling and delicious.

    grated carrot & lentil soup

    Carrot & red lentil soup has to be one of my favourite and go-to soups.

    Sometimes I add broccoli or it might be kale or spinach depending on what I have in the fridge. I suppose you could call it my fridge soup.

    I can always whip some up as I always have onions, garlic, carrots, red lentils, stock cubes and spices. They are staples in my kitchen.

    This time I had half a cabbage to use up, so I shredded and added that and it was a triumph.

    Jump to:
    • 🥬 Which type of cabbage is good in soup?
    • 🥕 Why grate carrots for soup?
    • 🥣 Why does second day soup always taste better?
    • 🌶 Adding flavour to soup
    • 🥕 What you need to make grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage
    • 🥣 How long will carrot & lentil soup keep?
    • 🌡️ Can lentil soup be frozen?
    • 🍞 What to serve with carrot & lentil soup?
    • 🥣 More easy and tasty vegan soups to try
    • 📋 Want new recipes delivered to your inbox?
    • ⭐ Pin it for later
    • 🥦 Living on the Veg
    • 💭 How to make grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Comments

    🥬 Which type of cabbage is good in soup?

    You can add most types of cabbage to soup.

    shredded cabbage

    Half a white cabbage was lurking in my fridge, but spring greens (which tend to be shredded sweetheart cabbage), savoy cabbage, pak choi (bok choi) or cavolo nero would all work well.

    If you have fussy eaters in the household, using white cabbage and blending your soup is a good idea. They are the first to spot added greens!

    I wouldn't add red cabbage to soup as it tends to go an insipid grey colour when cooked.

    When mixed with vinegar or lemon juice it keeps it's gorgeous colour but you don't really want a vinegar note to your soup.

    🥕 Why grate carrots for soup?

    Recently I've stopped chopping carrots when making soup. Instead, I grate them. Want to know why?

    When I make soup, I always make a big pot that will last us a couple of days.

    If I'm doing all that chopping, I want a couple of meals out of it at least, plus more importantly, soup always tastes better on day two.

    Unfortunately, a big pot of soup requires a lot of chopping of carrots. It takes ages and it's a bore.

    So I grate them. The same amount of carrots but grated.

    Quick and easy and the carrot just sort of melts into the soup and gives it a lovely thick texture.

    🥣 Why does second day soup always taste better?

    It's simple really, the flavours have more time to seep into the soup and develop.

    Same with stews, curries and chilli and bolognese. they all taste better the next day

    🌶 Adding flavour to soup

    Vegetables add a lot of flavour to soup, but add some fresh or dried herbs or spices and it will perk up your soup no end.

    ground cumin

    Here are a few herbs and spices that work well in soup with suggestions of pairings.

    1. Basil (fresh or dried) - good in a tomato based soup
    2. Chives (fresh or dried) - good in a light brothy soup or a potato and leek soup
    3. Parsley (fresh or dried) - a good all-rounder for a pop of colour
    4. Oregano (dried) - good in a tomato based soup
    5. Coriander (fresh) - fabulous in a carrot soup but good in vegetable soup too
    6. Coriander (dried) - good paired with cumin in a vegetable soup to add warmth
    7. Sage (dried) - good in an onion soup
    8. Cumin (ground) - good in a lentil soup
    9. Ginger (ground or fresh) - good in a carrot or lentil soup
    10. Turmeric (ground) - good in a dahl type soup
    11. Paprika (ground) - good in a tomato or a red pepper soup
    12. Chilli (flakes or powder) - good in a tomato or red pepper soup

    There are many more herbs and spices that could be included in soups, but these are a good starting point.

    For this carrot and red lentil soup, I added ground ginger and cumin for flavour.

    Love soup? Try my easy roasted butternut squash and red pepper soup or if you have a soup maker, try this creamy mushroom & leek soup.

    🥕 What you need to make grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage

    Here are the ingredients you need to make this delicious lentil soup.

    Red lentil & cabbage soup
    • olive oil - or another mild oil like rapeseed oil
    • onion - white or brown onion
    • garlic - if you don't have fresh you could add garlic powder at the same time as the spices or keep some frozen crushed garlic in the freezer
    • celery - adds flavour
    • cabbage - any type apart from red, I used white cabbage
    • carrots - get that box grater ready!
    • ground ginger - more flavour
    • ground cumin - even more flavour
    • red lentils - for protein and to thicken the soup
    • vegetable stock - I use stock cubes, but you could use fresh or a stock pot
    • salt & pepper - to season

    See the printable recipe card below for full ingredients, method and calorie info.

    🥣 How long will carrot & lentil soup keep?

    Once cool, your grated carrot and lentil soup can be decanted into an airtight container and kept in the fridge.

    It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.

    Reheat in the microwave or in a pot.

    🌡️ Can lentil soup be frozen?

    Soups always freeze well and lentil soups are no exception.

    Cabbage soup

    Once cool, portion it up into freezer bags or tubs, remembering to label the top or underside.

    If you are adding a stick-on label, make sure the tub or bag is dry and add it before adding the soup and it's more likely to stay on.

    It can be kept in the freezer for 3-4 months.

    To defrost your soup, take a portion out of the freezer in the evening and leave it in the fridge overnight.

    Reheat in a pot or in a bowl in the microwave.

    🍞 What to serve with carrot & lentil soup?

    Here are a few ideas of what you could serve with a thick lentil soup.

    Carrot, Cabbage & Lentil Soup
    • Breadsticks - for crunch
    • Croutons - plain or garlic, also for crunch
    • Crusty Bread - plain or buttered
    • Garlic bread - my mum loves garlic bread with soup and I have to admit it's pretty special
    • Oatcakes - a very Scottish thing to serve with soup
    • Plain or Cheese Scones - another Scottish favourite
    • Quesadillas - try my smoky vegan vegetable quesadillas
    • Rolls - also called morning rolls, baps, buns and many other names
    • Soft Brown bread - buttered with dairy free spread
    • Toasties - for a more substantial meal

    🥣 More easy and tasty vegan soups to try

    Here are a few more easy soup recipes you may like to try next.

    A bowl of vegan tomato soup with a swirl of cream
    1. Broccoli and Pea Soup - Flavour-packed broccoli and pea soup that's super easy to make and a healthy choice for lunch.
    2. Cream of Courgette Soup with Dill - a luscious green soup finished with a swirl of cream.
    3. Cream of Parsnip Soup with Apple - a deliciously quick and creamy soup topped with a swirl of pesto.
    4. Easy Mushroom Soup - An easy, rich mushroom soup with simple ingredients but lots of flavour.
    5. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup - An easy roasted butternut squash soup made with a few basic ingredients and blended until smooth.
    6. Scotch Broth with Barley & Kale - A traditional Scottish soup made with root vegetables, barley and kale. 
    7. Sweet Potato & Butternut Squash Soup with Carrots - served with a splash of cream and fresh herbs.
    8. Tomato Soup made with Tinned (Canned) Tomatoes - An easy recipe for vegan tomato soup with just 5 ingredients and seasoning. Made in under 30 minutes and served with a swirl of vegan cream.

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    Check your spam folder they don't arrive, I share a new recipe on each of my blogs every week.

    ⭐ Pin it for later

    A simple recipe for a hearty and healthy pot of grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage. Filling and delicious.

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    Such a friendly community with lots of recipes and chat. I'm in there every day chatting. It's such a nice place to spend time.

    💭 How to make grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage

    Step-by-step photos. Keep scrolling for the full printable recipe (with full ingredient list and nutritional info).

    Grated Carrot, Cabbage & Lentil Soup - Step 1

    Step 1

    1. In a large pot add the olive oil and warm before adding the onion, celery and garlic and cook gently until soft.
    2. Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
    Grated Carrot, Cabbage & Lentil Soup - Step 2

    Step 2

    1. Saute gently for a few minutes, then add the spices and stir well.
    2. Now add the rinsed lentils.
    Grated Carrot, Cabbage & Lentil Soup - Step 3

    Step 3

    1. Add the vegetable stock and stir well.
    2. Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are soft.
    3. Season with salt and pepper.
    4. Enjoy!

    📖 Recipe

    Easy Grated Carrot & Lentil Soup with Cabbage

    Grated Carrot & Red Lentil Soup with Cabbage

    Jacqueline Meldrum
    A simple recipe for a hearty and healthy pot of grated carrot & red lentil soup with cabbage. Filling and delicious.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Easy Vegan Soup Recipes
    Cuisine Scottish, vegan
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 279 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • 2 stalks celery finely sliced
    • 2 cloves garlic crushed or finely grated
    • ½ white cabbage shredded
    • 500 g red lentils rinsed
    • 6 medium carrots coarsely grated
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 2 litres vegetable stock 4 stock cubes
    • 1 pinch salt and pepper (generous pinch) taste to check seasoning and add more if you need to
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Add the oil to a large soup pot and warm before adding the onion, celery and garlic. Saute until soft.
    • Add the cabbage and carrots and stir well, then add the spices and stir in. Cook gently for a few minutes.
    • Add the rinsed lentils and stock, stir well. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are soft.
    • Season with salt and pepper and taste to check the seasoning.
    • Serve & enjoy!

    Notes

    • This soup can serve 6-8 depending on portion size and if you go back for more.
    • You can blend soup smooth if you prefer a smooth soup.
    • Once cool, your grated carrot and lentil soup can be decanted into an airtight container and kept in the fridge. It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pot.
    • This soup can be kept in the freezer for 3-4 months. To defrost your soup, take a portion out of the freezer in the evening and leave it in the fridge overnight

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 18gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 897mgFiber: 22gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 7772IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword cabbage soup, carrot soup, lentil soup, soup, vegan soup
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

    1. Dannii says

      February 11, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      5 stars
      We love adding lentils to soup to make it look really hearty and delicious. This looks really good.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 11, 2022 at 5:21 pm

        Same here, I like to add lentils to soups to thicken them and make them more filling but for added protein too.

        Reply
      • Paula G says

        February 14, 2023 at 8:32 am

        5 stars
        A wonderful hearty soup....and you were right it did taste even better the next day 😀 Thankyou!

        Reply
        • Jacqueline Meldrum says

          February 15, 2023 at 3:09 pm

          Yay! I am so glad you loved it Paula.

          Reply
    2. Cara says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:03 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely loved how delicious and filling this recipe was. Perfect for Meatless Monday's going forward!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 11, 2022 at 5:20 pm

        Oh yes although you don't have to save it for then. Soup is always a winner.

        Reply
    3. Jill says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness that looks amazing so warming. I am adding the ingredients to my list. Jill

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 11, 2022 at 5:20 pm

        You will love it Jill, it's so good. Like a hug in a bowl.

        Reply
    4. Fiona says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      I love soup. going to try this at the weekend. F

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 11, 2022 at 5:19 pm

        Oh good! Enjoy it Fiona.

        Reply
    5. Jess says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      5 stars
      Healthy and delicious. A winning combo!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 12, 2022 at 1:27 pm

        Oh yes definitely both of those things. Very yummy!

        Reply
    6. Hailey says

      February 11, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and a great way to use up some veggies from the fridge. Love the recipe!

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 12, 2022 at 1:26 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it Hailey, thanks for taking the time to let me know.

        Reply
    7. Iryna Bychkiv says

      February 12, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      This hearty lentil soup is right up my alley. Perfect for chilly winter days.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 13, 2022 at 1:57 pm

        Yes it is definitely the weather for soup. Cold and very wet here today.

        Reply
    8. Ness says

      February 25, 2022 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is absolutely delicious! 😋💚

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        February 26, 2022 at 1:49 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it Ness and thanks for leaving a comment.

        Reply
    9. Sue says

      June 06, 2022 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe and make it regularly now.

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        June 08, 2022 at 11:26 am

        I am so glad you love it Sue. It's a real favourite here too.

        Reply
    10. Cindy says

      September 07, 2022 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      Made this today and its like a reminder of grans homemade soup .. warm comforting and filling .. Will be a regular addition over the winter months .. just add some fresh crusty bread

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        September 11, 2022 at 12:29 pm

        What a lovely comment Cindy. I am so glad you enjoyed it and it reminded you of your gran's soup.

        Reply
    11. Mellie says

      August 22, 2024 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderfully satisfying and very flavorful. It's the simple things in life 🙂

      Reply
      • Jacqueline Meldrum says

        August 22, 2024 at 6:40 pm

        I am so pleased you enjoyed it Mellie and yes you are so right!

        Reply

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    JACQUELINE MELDRUM

    Welcome to The Vegan Lunchbox.

    If you need tasty lunch inspiration, you've come to the right place. Easy recipes and ideas from my Scottish kitchen. Jac x

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