Lentil Soup Recipe – Hearty, Healthy & Easy Comfort Food

Lentil Soup Recipe -Few dishes embody comfort and nourishment like a warm bowl of lentil soup. Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, lentil soup is a staple in many cuisines across the world — from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens to Indian households. The beauty of this Lentil Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare using pantry staples.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern / Global
Course: Main Course / Soup
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

• Yellow onion – 1 large (diced)

• Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)

• Carrots – 2 medium (peeled and diced)

• Celery – 2 stalks (chopped)

• Dried green or brown lentils – 1½ cups (rinsed and drained)

• Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup (or 1 can, 14 oz)

• Vegetable broth – 6 cups (or water with bouillon cubes)

• Bay leaf – 1

• Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon

• Paprika – 1 teaspoon

• Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon

• Ground turmeric – ¼ teaspoon (optional for color and health boost)

• Salt – 1½ teaspoons (adjust to taste)

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon

• Knife and chopping board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Ladle for serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by dicing the onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic finely. This forms the aromatic base for your lentil soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly and release aroma.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in cumin, paprika, thyme, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavors.
Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 4: Add Lentils and Broth

Pour in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 30–35 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Add Greens

Once the lentils are soft, taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove the bay leaf.
If using spinach or kale, stir them in and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.

Step 7: Add Lemon and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice for a bright, refreshing finish. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with toasted sourdough bread, pita, or garlic naan.

• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or a drizzle of olive oil.

• Add a spoonful of coconut yogurt or vegan sour cream for creaminess.

Conclusion

This hearty Lentil Soup Recipe proves that wholesome, plant-based meals can be just as comforting and delicious as traditional ones. With its fragrant spices, nourishing lentils, and rich texture, this soup is a complete meal in itself — warm, filling, and deeply satisfying.