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Lentil Soup A warm bowl of lentil soup topped with fresh parsley and a dollop of yogurt, served with toasted bread slices on the side.

Lentil Soup

This hearty and healthy Lentil Soup combines red lentils with aromatic vegetables, warming spices, and a fresh lemon finish for a naturally creamy, vegan, and gluten-free meal. Perfect for meal prep, this soup is budget-friendly, easy to make, and adaptable to any veggies or spices you have on hand.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Healthy,, Mediterranean, Vegan
Keyword: Easy lentil soup recipe, French lentil soup, Lentil soup ingredients, Lentil soup Turkish, Traditional lentil soup recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 215kcal
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven (For cooking the soup)
  • 1 Sharp knife (For chopping vegetables)
  • 1 Wooden spoon (For stirring)
  • 1 Ladle (For serving)
  • 1 Fine mesh strainer (For rinsing lentils)

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing vegetables and spices - For sautéing vegetables and spices
  • 1 Large Onion diced - Aromatic base for the soup
  • 3 Medium Carrots diced - Adds sweetness to the soup
  • 3 Stalks Celery diced - Adds depth to the soup
  • 4 Cloves Garlic minced - Aromatic flavor
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin - Warming spice
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric - Earthy vibrant spice
  • ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika - Adds smoky flavor
  • ¼ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional - Adds heat (optional)
  • 1.5 Cups Red Lentils - Main base of the soup adds protein and creaminess
  • 6 Cups Vegetable Broth - Liquid for the soup
  • 1 Can 14 oz Diced Tomatoes - Adds acidity and sweetness
  • 2 Leaves Bay Leaves - Subtle herbal note
  • To taste Salt and Pepper - Seasoning
  • 1 Lemon Juice - Adds brightness and balances flavors
  • Optional Fresh Parsley or Cilantro - For garnish
  • Optional Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream - For serving optional, not vegan
  • Optional Crusty Bread - For serving
  • Optional Fresh Ginger - For added warmth and flavor
  • Optional 2 Cups Spinach or Kale - For added nutrition and color
  • Optional 1 Cup Chopped Potato - For added heartiness can replace carrots or add alongside

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil, sauté onion, carrots, celery, garlic with spices to build a flavorful base.
    A Dutch oven on a stovetop filled with diced carrots, celery, and onions in broth, surrounded by small bowls of chopped ingredients and spices.
  • Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir and bring to a boil.
    A steaming pot of lentil soup simmering on the stove, filled with vegetables and herbs, with a wooden spoon stirring the mixture.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
  • Season with salt and pepper, then stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
    A close-up of a bowl of lentil soup with fresh herbs, as a spoon lifts a hearty scoop, with sliced bread blurred in the background.
  • Serve soup in bowls, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and optionally add yogurt or sour cream.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 240g | Calories: 215kcal (11%) | Carbohydrates: 38g (13%) | Protein: 12g (24%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 0.5g (3%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Sodium: 450mg (20%) | Potassium: 800mg (23%) | Fiber: 14g (58%) | Sugar: 7g (8%) | Vitamin A: 1800IU (36%) | Vitamin C: 25mg (30%) | Calcium: 40mg (4%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)
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