Lentil soup recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and comforting meal, a lentil soup recipe is always a winner.

Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is not only satisfying but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, lentil soup is a versatile option that can be adapted to your taste.

We’ll cover why lentil soup is such a great choice, different variations you can try, and a simple step-by-step recipe you can follow at home.

Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious lentil soup recipe you can make at home:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional)

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Stir well.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.

7. If desired, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture.

8. Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.

9. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

10. Serve hot with crusty bread or pita.

Variations of Lentil Soup

One of the best things about lentil soup is its flexibility.

You can adjust the recipe depending on the season, your preferences, or what you have in your kitchen.

Here are some common variations:

• Classic Lentil Soup: Simple and comforting with onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.

• Spiced Lentil Soup: Add cumin, turmeric, paprika, or curry powder for a warming flavor.

• Tomato-Based Lentil Soup: Simmer lentils with tomatoes for a tangy twist.

• Vegetable-Packed Lentil Soup: Toss in spinach, kale, zucchini, or potatoes for extra nutrition.

• Creamy Lentil Soup: Blend part of the soup for a smooth, velvety texture.

This versatility means you’ll never get bored of lentil soup, and you can adapt it to your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Lentil soup is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate your meal by pairing it with fresh bread, garlic toast, or a light salad.

For a heartier dish, serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables on the side.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for easy future meals.

lentil soup recipe

This hearty lentil soup recipe is a quick, healthy, and comforting meal made with simple ingredients, perfect for any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric optional
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed
• 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale optional
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf. Stir well.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender if you prefer it creamier.
8. Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
9. Add lemon juice before serving.
10. Serve warm with crusty bread or salad.

A good lentil soup recipe is a kitchen staple everyone should have. It’s nourishing, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you prefer it chunky, spicy, or creamy, this soup will warm you up and keep you satisfied any time of the year.