This $2 Trader Joe’s Grocery Makes the Most Delicious Dinner (I Eat It Every Week)

In addition to coffee cups filled with crushed Oreos smuggled from the soft-serve toppings station in the dining hall, the foundation of my freshman year college diet was absolutely a can of Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup from Trader Joe’s. Carrots, green beans, potato, and, of course, lentils are the stars of this delightful soup. It’s so savory and satisfying and I couldn’t have gotten through my first year of college as a vegan without it. 

I’m someone who leans into repetitive eating habits (hey, traditions are comforting!). One of those favorite rituals of mine last year was grocery shopping with my dad on Sundays (I’m lucky to go to college in the same town that my family lives in). I think fondly of the predictability of it all: My dad would greet me with “Hey, kiddo” when I hopped into the passenger seat, then we’d go to Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter after that, where we’d stuff our recyclable plastic bags in the collection bin on the way inside.

An integral part of that routine was adding at least one can of this cozy vegetable soup to my shopping basket.

Again, I’m someone who loves consistency — so these grocery shopping trips were one of the best parts of my week. Dad was so thoughtful to make sure I never forgot my lentil soup, but how could I? It’s absolutely delicious.  

During my time at the dorms, a can of this soup held the status of a bar of solid gold. The soup has a pull tap (which means no can opener required!) and takes just two minutes of heating in the microwave, although you can heat it on the stovetop if you have a bit more time. The result? A mug of salty, savory goodness that makes me simultaneously feel like a happy kid and a total grown-up, because of all the colorful vegetables and 12 grams of protein. Plus, it’s delicious. 

Ringing up at $2.49 a can, this soup was a godsend for a newly dorm-based vegan looking for a comforting meal that tasted homey yet was practically effortless to prepare.

This lentil vegetable soup is an excellent go-to for an easy meal after a long day of classes. If I have time, I like dressing it up with some toasted baguette slices or a couple of the Trader Joe’s Mini Vegetable Samosas on the side (my mouth is watering just thinking about it)!

Each spoonful transports me to my parents’ house: My dad opening the kitchen cupboard and proudly pointing out a can he picked up, in anticipation of me visiting. I know what he’s really saying is that he loves me.

Find it in stores: Trader Joe’s Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup, $2.49 for 15 ounces 

This post was a collaboration between Dorm Therapy and The Kitchn and originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: This $2 Trader Joe’s Grocery Makes the Most Delicious Dinner (I Eat It Every Week)