This Classic Lentil Soup is a warm hug in a bowl — packed with protein-rich lentils, aromatic veggies, and wholesome spices. It’s easy to make in one pot, naturally vegan, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Pantry-friendly ingredients
✔ Meal-prep champion (tastes better next day!)
✔ 3 dietary wins (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
✔ Budget-friendly
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and prepare all the vegetables. Chop the onion, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and bay leaf to the pot.
Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Ladle the lentil soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with a lemon wedge on the side, if desired.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories 280
- Protein 14g
- Fiber 15g
- Iron 30% DV
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Extra creamy: Blend 1 cup of soup, then stir it back in
✅ Time-saver: Use pre-chopped mirepoix from the store
✅ Freezer-friendly: Stores 3 months
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Comfort Meal
- With a grilled cheese sandwich
- Middle Eastern Style
- Top with harissa and pita chips
- Protein Boost
- Add sausage or chopped chicken
Enjoy your delicious homemade lentil soup recipe!
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