This hearty lentil soup is warm and filling, perfect for chilly days. With tender lentils, carrots, and spices, it’s a nutritious and tasty meal that everyone will love!
Making lentil soup is so easy! Just toss everything in the pot and let it simmer. I often add a cozy piece of bread on the side to soak up every last drop. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Lentils: These cook relatively quickly and break down nicely, creating a creamy texture. If you can’t find red lentils, yellow lentils or green lentils will work but may take longer to cook.
Olive Oil: It brings a lovely flavor to the soup. You can swap it for coconut oil or any neutral oil if desired.
Onion: A base ingredient, it adds depth. If you’re short on onions, shallots or leeks can be good alternatives.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika give the soup a warm flavor. If you need a change, try coriander or even curry powder for a different twist. The turmeric adds color and health benefits; you can skip it if you don’t have it.
Vegetable Broth: This is essential for flavor. Water works too, but broth takes it up a notch. You can use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
The key to a flavorful lentil soup is in the sautéing! Start by heating your olive oil and cooking the onion, carrots, and celery until soft. This step releases their natural sugars and flavors.
- Be patient! Let the veggies soften for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices last, cooking until aromatic – around 1-2 minutes. This prevents burning and keeps the flavors fresh!
- Don’t skip the simmering! Allowing the lentils to cook slowly in the broth helps develop rich flavors. Stir occasionally.
And don’t forget to taste! Adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
How to Make Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lentil soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery (if you’re using it). Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the Spices:
Next, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric (if using). Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the spices—this really brings out their flavor!
3. Combine with Broth and Lentils:
Pour in the rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth or water. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
4. Bring to a Boil and Simmer:
Raise the heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.
5. Season and Adjust:
Once the lentils are soft, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If your soup is thicker than you want, just add a little more water or broth until it’s perfect.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour your warm soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top if you like a tangy flavor. Enjoy your comforting bowl of lentil soup with some bread or on its own!
This lentil soup is nutritious, hearty, and perfect for any day. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for red lentils, you can use green or brown lentils, but they will require a longer cooking time (around 30-40 minutes) and may not break down as much, resulting in a chunkier texture.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes, lentil soup keeps well! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Can I Serve with Lentil Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even over cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. Don’t forget the lemon wedges to squeeze on top for added flavor!