Easy Lentil Soup Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Name: Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Recipe By:

Hannah Mitchell

Posted:

March 12, 2025

Updated:

March 12, 2025

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The aroma of simmering lentil soup wafts through the air, bringing warmth and comfort like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Imagine spoonfuls of hearty goodness filled with earthy flavors and vibrant colors dancing around your taste buds. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that warms your soul.

Every time I whip up a pot of lentil soup, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She would stir her bubbling cauldron while sharing tales that made my sides ache from laughter. Gathered around the table with family, we’d slurp our bowls clean, each bite better than the last. You’ll want this bowl of joy for those rainy days or when you need a hug from your dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy lentil soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights; it requires minimal prep and cooks in one pot
The rich flavors and hearty texture will delight everyone at the table
Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate whatever veggies you have lying around
Your kitchen will smell incredible as it simmers!

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends; they couldn’t believe how delicious it was!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Lentils: Choose green or brown lentils for their firm texture and earthy flavor—they hold up beautifully in soups!
Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; make sure to dice it finely for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring a robust aroma—don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Carrots: Chopped carrots add sweetness and color; opt for fresh ones for the best flavor.
Celery: Celery provides crunch and freshness—be sure to chop them evenly for uniform cooking.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavors; homemade broth works wonders too!
Cumin: Ground cumin gives the soup a warm, aromatic kick—add more if you love spices.
A Bay Leaf: Don’t forget this little leaf; it infuses subtle flavor during cooking.
Salt & Pepper: Adjust these seasonings to taste; fresh ground black pepper elevates the entire dish.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the vegetables and enhance flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by dicing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small pieces—this helps them cook evenly and meld perfectly into the soup.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes.

Add Remaining Veggies: Toss in chopped carrots and celery next. Cook until they soften slightly—around 3-4 minutes—and stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Add Lentils & Spices: Pour in rinsed lentils along with cumin, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat everything in fragrant spices.

Add Broth: Next up, pour in vegetable broth—bring everything to a boil! Reduce heat once boiling and let it simmer until lentils are tender—approximately 30-40 minutes.

Taste & Serve: Remove bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed; ladle into bowls and enjoy this warming bowl of happiness!

This easy-to-make lentil soup isn’t just wholesome—it’s also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables or pantry staples. It’s perfect as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of meal prep for busy weeks ahead. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

You Must Know

Lentil soup is not just comforting; it’s a nutritional powerhouse
The blend of spices and vegetables creates a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for maximum flavor before adding lentils, broth, and spices. Simmer until tender for delightful results.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or even a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences.

Storing & ReheatingDiscover a delightful lentil soup recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings!

Store lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve the best flavor, always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris
Don’t skip the sauté step; it builds essential flavor
Adjust seasoning after cooking for a perfect taste balance

I remember the first time I made lentil soup; my friend raved about it for weeks! It was one of those moments where I felt like a culinary genius and got hooked on making it regularly.

FAQs