There is something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and this simple Lentil Soup Recipe is the pinnacle of cozy, nourishing meals. If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish, you’ve found it. This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, pantry staples, and delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly evening, a healthy lunch, or a simple weeknight dinner, this soup is a guaranteed winner for the whole family.
We’ve designed this Lentil Soup Recipe to be straightforward and foolproof, ensuring a perfect result every time. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious and satisfying meal.
Why This Will Be Your Go-To Lentil Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary staple you’ll return to again and again. It strikes the perfect balance between healthy and hearty, making it a truly satisfying meal. It’s naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Aromatic vegetables, savory herbs, and rich broth create a deep, complex flavor profile.
- Packed with Nutrients: Lentils are a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and iron, making this soup as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Simple & Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples, this recipe is easy on your wallet.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully for future meals.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Lentil Soup
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy to create a spectacular soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and build the first layer of flavor.
- Mirepoix (Onion, Carrots, Celery): This classic aromatic vegetable base is the heart of the soup.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Brown or Green Lentils: These hold their shape well and provide a lovely texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the earthy lentils.
- Vegetable Broth: Use a good quality broth as it makes up the bulk of the soup.
- Herbs & Spices: A combination of dried thyme, cumin, and a bay leaf provides a warm, savory flavor. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning.
A Note on Lentils
While this recipe calls for brown or green lentils, which are firm and hold their texture, you can use other types. Red lentils, for example, cook faster and break down more, resulting in a creamier, thicker soup. Feel free to experiment based on your preference!
How to Make This Easy Lentil Soup Recipe
Making this soup is a simple, three-step process. Just sauté, simmer, and serve! Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine & Simmer: Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper. For a touch of brightness, you can stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar right before serving.
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. For another hearty soup idea, try our Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup.
Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Soup
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris.
- Don’t Salt Too Early: Adding salt at the beginning can sometimes make lentils tough. It’s best to season the soup at the end of the cooking process.
- Embrace Acidity: A small splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end truly elevates the flavors and brightens the entire dish.
- For a Creamier Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup directly in the pot. This will thicken it up while still leaving plenty of texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about this Lentil Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few popular variations to customize it to your liking.
Vegan Lentil Soup
This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just ensure you are using a certified vegan vegetable broth. For a creamy texture without dairy, stir in a spoonful of full-fat coconut milk at the end.
Spicy Lentil Soup
To add some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving.
Hearty Lentil Soup with Sausage
For a non-vegetarian version, brown some sliced Italian sausage or chorizo in the pot before sautéing the vegetables. Remove the sausage, proceed with the recipe, and add it back into the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering. This pairs wonderfully with the comforting flavors of our Butter Swim Biscuits.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
This soup is a meal prepper’s dream. It stores wonderfully and the flavor deepens over time.
- To Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool it completely and pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Lentil Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A slice of crusty bread for dipping is a must. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, like our refreshing Cucumber Ranch Salad, or a simple sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Add hearty vegetables like potatoes with the lentils, and leafy greens like spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
No, you do not need to soak lentils for this recipe. Unlike other legumes, lentils cook relatively quickly. Just be sure to rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or debris before cooking.
The soup will naturally thicken as it cools. For a thicker consistency right away, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup, or mash some lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon. Simmering it uncovered for an extra 10 minutes will also help.
Yes, lentil soup is incredibly healthy. It’s packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and folate. It’s a low-fat, nutrient-dense meal that is both filling and nourishing.
Brown or green lentils are best for this recipe as they hold their shape well and provide a pleasant texture. Red lentils can also be used, but they will break down more and result in a smoother, creamier soup.
Share Your Creation!
We are confident that this will become your favorite Lentil Soup Recipe. It’s a dish that proves simple, healthy food can be incredibly delicious and satisfying. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback and creations inspire us!
Lentil Soup Recipe
Lentil Soup Recipe (The Best, Easy & Healthy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed lentils, undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
The soup will thicken as it cools. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
