When the weather turns cold or you’re craving a nourishing meal, this Delicious Lentil Soup is the perfect go-to recipe. This comforting soup is loaded with tender lentils, savory vegetables, and fragrant spices, making it a satisfying and healthy dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

Lentils are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them the ideal base for a wholesome, filling soup. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s also naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to enjoy on a chilly day, this Delicious Lentil Soup is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those who want a hearty, plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, so you can enjoy a wholesome meal anytime.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

This Delicious Lentil Soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen for several reasons. Here’s why you’ll love making it:

Hearty and Filling – Lentils are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this soup both hearty and filling. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.
Packed with Nutrients – Along with the lentils, this soup features a variety of vegetables like carrots, onions, and tomatoes, all rich in vitamins and minerals. The combination of lentils and vegetables makes this soup a powerhouse of nutrients.
Easy to Make – With minimal prep and a one-pot cooking process, this recipe is simple and hassle-free. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a large pot and a few basic ingredients.
Flavorful – This lentil soup is packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The spices elevate the soup and create a delicious depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
Customizable – You can easily modify this recipe to suit your tastes. Add in more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, or adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can even make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Meal Prep Friendly – This soup stores well in the fridge and can be made in bulk. It’s the perfect dish for meal prep, as it can be enjoyed for several days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and have it ready for future meals.

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth (or water)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Equipment Used

Large soup pot
Cutting board
Knife
Stirring spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Directions & Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside. Dice the onion, carrots, and garlic. If using, chop the spinach or kale.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
Add the Lentils and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices.
Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. For a touch of brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 bowl):

Calories: 250
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 15g
Sugars: 6g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 620mg

This Delicious Lentil Soup is a nutrient-dense dish, thanks to the lentils and a variety of vegetables. Each serving provides a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps keep you full longer. The soup is naturally low in fat and contains healthy fats from the olive oil, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat a balanced, wholesome meal.

The addition of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric not only enhances the flavor but also provides potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.

Prep Time and Cook Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers, for added texture and nutrition.
Make It Spicy: If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped chili peppers to the soup.
Make It Creamy: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup once the lentils are tender. This will give the soup a smooth consistency while keeping the lentils intact.
Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, consider adding cooked quinoa or some tofu cubes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use canned lentils. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup. Reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes since the lentils are already cooked.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices like curry powder, cinnamon, or smoked paprika to add more complexity to the flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to your personal taste.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can. For a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and do a natural release.

Pro Tips by Emma

For Extra Flavor: Toast the spices in the pot for 1-2 minutes before adding the lentils and tomatoes. This will bring out the flavors and enhance the depth of the soup.
Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth for the best flavor, but store-bought broth works fine if you’re short on time.
Texture Adjustments: If you like a chunkier soup, you can blend only a portion of it, leaving some lentils intact for texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Delicious Lentil Soup is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or a dollop of vegan yogurt. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with some avocado slices or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, plant-based touch.

Delicious Lentil Soup : Hearty, Flavorful, and Nutritious

Emma

When the weather turns cold or you’re craving a nourishing meal, this Delicious Lentil Soup is the perfect go-to recipe. This comforting soup is loaded with tender lentils, savory vegetables, and fragrant spices, making it a satisfying and healthy dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Soup

Cuisine Mediterranean

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

Large soup pot
Cutting Board
Knife
Stirring spoon
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

1 cup dried lentils green or brown
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion diced
2 carrots peeled and diced
3 garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach or kale optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice optional

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set them aside. Dice the onion, carrots, and garlic. If using, chop the spinach or kale.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
Add the Lentils and Tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices.
Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. For a touch of brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice just before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For Extra Flavor: Toast the spices in the pot for 1-2 minutes before adding the lentils and tomatoes. This will bring out the flavors and enhance the depth of the soup.
Use Homemade Broth: If possible, use homemade vegetable broth for the best flavor, but store-bought broth works fine if you’re short on time.
Texture Adjustments: If you like a chunkier soup, you can blend only a portion of it, leaving some lentils intact for texture.

Keyword vegetarian fast food recipes dinner