Easy Lentil Soup Recipe (Healthy & Hearty!)

Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty Lentil Soup filled with tender lentils, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices that warm you from the inside out. This easy lentil soup recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a nourishing, protein-packed meal that satisfies both body and soul. The combination of earthy green lentils, sweet carrots, aromatic garlic, and warm cumin creates a deeply flavorful soup that tastes like it simmered all day when it actually comes together in under an hour. The finishing touch of fresh lemon juice brightens every spoonful while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous flavor. This wholesome lentil soup proves that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious, budget-friendly, and comforting all at once.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Soup Recipe

• Incredibly versatile – works as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or satisfying side dish paired with crusty bread
• Budget-friendly superfood – uses inexpensive pantry staples to create a protein-rich meal that costs pennies per serving
• One-pot wonder ready in 50 minutes with minimal prep and easy cleanup for busy weeknight convenience
• Tastes better tomorrow – flavors deepen overnight making this the ultimate make-ahead meal prep recipe everyone needs

What You Need for this reciepe

Essential Ingredients for the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin preferred for sautéing the aromatic vegetable foundation
• 1 large yellow onion, diced – about 2 cups, creates sweet base flavor for the soup
• 2 medium carrots, diced – peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces for sweetness and color
• 2 celery stalks, diced – about 1 cup, adds aromatic depth to classic mirepoix base
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic essential for robust flavor that mellows during cooking
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – concentrates flavor and adds umami richness to broth

For the Hearty Soup

• 1½ cups (300g) green or brown lentils – rinsed and picked over, holds shape better than red lentils
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth – low sodium preferred for better seasoning control
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes – undrained, fire-roasted adds extra dimension
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – earthy, warm spice that complements lentils perfectly
• 1 teaspoon paprika – adds subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the soup
• 1 bay leaf – essential for depth, remember to remove before serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste – add after lentils soften for best texture
• 2 cups baby spinach – optional, adds nutrients and vibrant green color
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – fresh squeezed brightens all the flavors beautifully
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and fresh herbal notes

Optional Garnishes for Serving

• Crusty bread – for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth
• Plain yogurt or sour cream – adds cooling creaminess and tang
• Extra fresh herbs – parsley, cilantro, or dill add brightness

Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

Hearty lentil soup with tender lentils, vegetables, and warm spices in flavorful broth. Ready in 50 minutes for a nourishing, protein-packed meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred for sautéing
• 1 large yellow onion diced, about 2 cups
• 2 medium carrots peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery diced, about 1 cup
• 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh preferred
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste concentrates flavor and adds richness

Main Soup Ingredients

• 1½ cups (300g) green or brown lentils rinsed and picked over
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth low sodium preferred
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes undrained, fire-roasted adds extra flavor
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin earthy, warm spice
• 1 teaspoon paprika adds sweetness and color
• 1 whole bay leaf remove before serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste, add after lentils soften

Finishing Touches

• 2 cups baby spinach optional, adds nutrients and color
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed, brightens flavors
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Optional Garnishes

• Plain yogurt or sour cream for serving
• Crusty bread for dipping

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion becomes translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
• Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, ground cumin, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir everything together thoroughly.
• Bring soup to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
• Stir in baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
• Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors. Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately with crusty bread, a dollop of yogurt, and extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth when reheating.

Variations: Moroccan style with cinnamon and turmeric. Italian with zucchini and Parmesan. Curried with curry powder and coconut milk. Add sausage for protein. Use red lentils and blend for smooth soup.

Tips: Don’t add salt at beginning – wait until lentils soften. Use green or brown lentils for best texture. Sauté vegetables thoroughly for flavor base. Blend half for creamier consistency. Add lemon juice at end to brighten flavors.

Keyword easy lentil soup, healthy soup, high protein soup, lentil soup, vegan soup, vegetarian soup

How to Make This Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Building Your Flavorful Base

1. Sauté aromatics (8 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion becomes translucent and fragrant. (This mirepoix creates the flavor foundation!)
2. Add garlic and tomato paste (2 minutes): Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. (This step develops deep, rich flavor.)

Step 2: Simmering the Perfect Lentil Soup

3. Combine ingredients (2 minutes): Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, ground cumin, paprika, and bay leaf. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.
4. Simmer to tender perfection (30-35 minutes): Bring soup to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover pot and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but still hold their shape. (Don’t add salt yet – wait until lentils soften!)

Step 3: Finishing Touches and Serving

5. Add greens and season (2 minutes): Stir in baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
6. Brighten and serve: Stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors. Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Expert Tips for the Best Lentil Soup

Don’t add salt at the beginning – salt can toughen lentil skins during cooking, so wait until they’re tender before seasoning for the best texture. Sauté vegetables thoroughly – taking time to properly soften the onions, carrots, and celery creates a sweet, flavorful base that makes all the difference. Use green or brown lentils – these varieties hold their shape beautifully during cooking, while red lentils break down and create mushy texture. For creamier soup, blend half – use an immersion blender to purée half the soup while leaving the rest chunky for wonderful textural contrast. Add acid at the end – lemon juice or vinegar added just before serving brightens all the flavors and makes the soup taste more vibrant and balanced.

How to Store and Serve Lentil Soup

Store leftover lentil soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve as the soup sits, making day-two soup even more delicious than the first serving. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Lentil soup reheats beautifully on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened after storage, simply add extra vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Serve this hearty lentil soup with warm crusty bread for dipping, a side salad for freshness, a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream for cooling creaminess, and extra fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for bright flavor and beautiful presentation.

Lentil Soup Recipe Variations You’ll Love

Moroccan Lentil Soup: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and finish with harissa for North African flair. Italian Lentil Soup: Use 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, add diced zucchini, and finish with Parmesan cheese. Curried Lentil Soup: Replace cumin with 2 tablespoons curry powder and finish with coconut milk for creamy richness. Sausage Lentil Soup: Brown 1/2 pound Italian sausage before adding vegetables for a heartier, protein-packed version. Red Lentil Soup: Use red lentils and blend entirely for smooth, creamy Turkish-style soup. If you love lentils, try our Mediterranean lentil salad or red lentil dal for more protein-rich comfort food favorites!

FAQ About Lentil Soup

Final Thoughts on This Lentil Soup Recipe

This easy Lentil Soup delivers wholesome comfort and nourishment in every spoonful with tender lentils, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. The beautiful combination of budget-friendly ingredients creates a protein-packed meal that proves healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and delicious. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dinner that warms both body and soul. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a cozy weeknight dinner, this versatile lentil soup adapts to your needs while always delivering fantastic flavor and nutrition. Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us for more amazing soup recipes! Try also cheddar cheese bread, garlic butter flatbread, or jalapeño cheddar bread for dipping.