Welcome to your kitchen’s new best friend: a deeply nourishing and incredibly flavorful lentil soup recipe! This comforting dish is packed with hearty ingredients and aromatic spices, promising a satisfying meal every time. It’s wonderfully easy to make, budget-friendly, and relies on simple pantry staples. Even better, it’s naturally vegan, making it a crowd-p

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Soup Recipe

This easy lentil soup will quickly become a staple in your home for so many reasons. It truly simplifies mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Flavorful yet Simple: We use everyday spices to create a rich, complex taste that will surprise you.
Incredibly Satisfying: Enjoy a hearty, creamy texture achieved naturally, without any dairy products.
Nutrient-Packed: Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, lean protein, iron, and folate, making this a wholesome bowl to fuel your day. Learn more about the nutritional benefits of lentils.
Meal Prep Dream: Prepare a large batch, as this delicious lentil soup tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-Friendly: Easily portion and freeze for quick, healthy meals whenever you need them.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your wholesome pot of soup. Each one plays a vital role in building depth and flavor.

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this lentil soup recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Here are some helpful tips for each ingredient.

Lentils: Brown or green lentils are ideal here; they hold their shape well, creating a hearty texture. For best results, bring lentils to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat to low to achieve a tender texture without causing them to split. Learn more about cooking lentils for optimal texture. Red or yellow lentils cook faster and become very soft, making for a creamier soup.
Broth: Use vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegan. You can swap in chicken broth if you prefer, but the flavors will change slightly.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add crucial acidity and a rich base flavor. Don’t skip them, as they are essential for the soup’s balance.
Greens: Kale or collard greens add nutrition and a pleasant chew. Fresh spinach is a great alternative; add it in the final few minutes of cooking.
Spices: Cumin, curry powder, and thyme provide a warm, earthy base. Red pepper flakes offer a gentle heat. Feel free to adjust these to your taste.
Salt & Pepper: These are fundamental for seasoning. Taste and adjust generously throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: This brightens all the flavors and adds a necessary zing at the end. It truly makes the soup sing.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make a delicious batch of soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot ensures even cooking.
A cutting board and sharp knife for preparing vegetables efficiently.
Measuring cups and spoons guarantee accurate ingredient amounts.
A ladle helps you serve up warm portions of your homemade creation.
An immersion blender or standing blender creates a wonderfully creamy texture.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and satisfying pot of lentil soup. This guide breaks down each stage, making it easy for even beginners.

Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. This generous amount of olive oil adds a lovely richness and heartiness to your nutritious soup.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme to the pot. Cook until fragrant, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds.
Pour in the lightly drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often. This step helps to enhance their flavor and depth.
Now, add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
Transfer about 2 cups of the cooked lentil soup to a standing blender. Securely fasten the lid, placing a tea towel over it to protect your hand from steam, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. This creates a wonderfully creamy consistency for your hearty lentil soup.
Add the chopped greens to the pot and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper, and/or lemon juice until the flavors truly sing. For a spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
Serve your delicious and warm lentil soup hot. Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).

Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Soup

Elevate your homemade soup with these simple expert tips. They make all the difference in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

Don’t skip the lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is crucial. It brightens and balances the rich, earthy flavors of the soup.
Blend a portion: This step is key for a creamy, hearty texture without using any dairy. It thickens the soup beautifully.
Proper seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices at the very end. Flavors deepen as the soup cooks.
Lentil doneness: Ensure your lentils are tender but still retain a bit of their shape. Avoid overcooking them into mush.
Prep ahead: Chop your onion, carrots, and garlic in advance. This saves time and makes cooking this lentil dish even quicker.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile soup is fantastic on its own or paired with simple sides. Here’s how to enjoy and adapt it.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your cozy lentil soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad adds freshness, or for non-vegans, a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy tang.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. They make for excellent quick lunches.
- Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for several months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Variations:
- Add protein: Incorporate cooked plant-based sausage, crumbled tofu, or even leftover cooked chicken (if not vegan) for extra heartiness.
- Extra vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding diced celery, fresh spinach, or chopped bell peppers along with the carrots and onions.
- Spicy kick: For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add finely minced fresh chili, such as jalapeño, during the sautéing step.
- Herb swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro stirred in at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Nutrition Information

This hearty lentil soup is packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to a healthy diet.

Nutritions	Value
Serving Size	1 serving (approx. 2 cups)
Calories	367 calories
Carbohydrates	47.8 g
Protein	14.5 g
Fat	15.5 g
Saturated Fat	2.2 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	1324.1 mg
Sugar	10.8 g
Fiber	10.8 g

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect bowl of delicious soup? We have answers!

What kind of lentils are best for lentil soup? Brown or green lentils are ideal because they hold their shape well, giving the soup a satisfying, hearty texture.
Can I use canned lentils in this recipe? Yes, you can! Add pre-cooked canned lentils towards the end of the cooking time, after the broth has simmered for about 10 minutes.
How do I make this lentil soup in an Instant Pot? Sauté your aromatics directly in the Instant Pot, then add the remaining ingredients (excluding greens and lemon). Pressure cook for approximately 20 minutes on soup mode, then quick release the pressure.
Can I omit the diced tomatoes? Tomatoes are crucial for the soup’s acidity and overall flavor balance. Omitting them will significantly alter the taste of this lentil soup.
Is this lentil soup gluten-free and vegan? Yes, as the recipe is written with vegetable broth and no animal products, it is naturally both gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
How can I make the soup spicier? To add more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes you use, or finely chop and add some fresh jalapeños with the garlic.
How do I thicken lentil soup if it’s too thin? For a thicker consistency, blend a larger portion of the soup, or simply simmer the soup longer uncovered to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Conclusion

This hearty and healthy lentil soup is truly a game-changer for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create deeply comforting and incredibly satisfying meals. We encourage you to try this recipe, adjust it to your taste, and make it your own go-to comfort food. We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this nourishing dish and see your culinary creations in the comments below!