This warm lentil soup is packed with flavor and healthy goodness! Made with tender lentils, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for cozy days.
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. Plus, it’s great for meal prep. You’ll be smiling after every yummy spoonful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best for this soup. If you want a quicker cooking option, red lentils can be used, but they become creamier and more mushy.
Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their sweetness when cooked. If you’re low on stock, shallots or even leeks could be a nice alternative.
Carrots: They add sweetness to the soup. If you don’t have carrots, diced sweet potatoes work wonderfully too!
Spices: Ground cumin gives a warm flavor. You can swap it for curry powder or coriander if you prefer a different taste.
Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but low-sodium store-bought or even water can work, just add more spices for extra flavor!
How Do You Make Sure the Lentils Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking lentils just right is key! Rinsing them removes dirt and debris, leading to a cleaner soup. Here’s how to cook them perfectly:
- Check if lentils are fresh. Old lentils may take longer to cook.
- Simmer the soup for at least 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. You want them to hold their shape!
Taste as you go! This helps ensure they’re cooked just the way you like them.
How to Make Delicious Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
- 1 small tomato, chopped (or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- 1 lemon wedge
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty lentil soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this nourishing dish in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step helps to build a flavorful base for the soup!
2. Add Your Veggies:
Add the minced garlic and diced carrots (and the celery, if you’re using it) to the pot. Sauté everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Spice It Up:
Now it’s time to add the chopped tomato or tomato paste along with the ground cumin, turmeric, and paprika, if using. Stir well and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to help awaken the spices’ beautiful flavors.
4. Cook the Lentils:
Next, toss in the rinsed lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
5. Season to Taste:
After simmering, taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust any spices if you’d like it spicier! Let it sit for a couple of minutes to cool slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup into bowls, garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now, enjoy the warmth and flavors of your homemade lentil soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils?
Yes! Green or brown lentils are best for texture, but you can use red lentils if you prefer. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and will become creamier.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini. Add them towards the end of cooking to keep them vibrant and tender.
How Should I Store Leftover Lentil Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
Can I Freeze Lentil Soup?
Yes, lentil soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.