Today, I want to share some wonderful lentil soup ideas with you. Lentil soup is a fantastic meal that warms you up and is so simple to make. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or something hearty for the weekend, a bowl of lentil soup is always a good idea.
I’ve put together two great lentil soup recipes for you to try. I hope you find your new favorite way to make this comforting dish!
Jump to Recipe:
Lentil Soup With Fresh Herbs
This simple lentil soup recipe gets a bright boost from fresh herbs. It’s a comforting and easy meal that you can enjoy any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Cooking Tips
- Fresh Herbs: Use parsley, cilantro, or dill for the best taste. Add them at the very end of cooking to keep their flavor bright.
- Brown Lentils: These hold their shape well, giving the soup a nice texture. You don’t need to soak them before cooking.
- Good Broth: Using a quality vegetable broth will give your soup a much better base flavor. It makes a big difference.
What You Need for Herby Lentil Soup
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make This Lentil Soup
Step 1: Prep Vegetables and Sauté
First, chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Lentils and Simmer
Stir in the rinsed brown lentils and tomato paste with the vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your taste. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade herby lentil soup!
📝 Final Note
This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes nicely for a future quick meal.
Classic Easy Lentil Soup
Here’s a classic lentil soup that’s rich, filling, and easy to prepare. It’s a staple in my kitchen for busy days and comforting meals.
Key Ingredients & Quick Tips
- Red Lentils: These break down easily as they cook, making the soup thick and creamy without needing extra steps.
- Spices for Warmth: A pinch of ground cumin or coriander can add a lovely warm flavor to this soup. Add it with the vegetables.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end brightens all the flavors and makes the soup pop.
What You Need for This Classic Lentil Soup
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 5 cups water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Classic Lentil Soup
Step 1: Cook Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook them until they are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell it.
Step 2: Add Lentils and Simmer
Stir in the rinsed red lentils and pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and have broken down.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper to your preference. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Serve your hot and hearty classic lentil soup.
📝 Final Note
For an even creamier soup, you can blend about half of it with an immersion blender before serving, then stir it back in.