Name: Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chopped fresh spinach; juice of 1 lemon

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort in a bowl, look no further than the Best Lentil Soup Recipe. This nourishing soup is steeped in Mediterranean flavors, teeming with wholesome ingredients, and easy enough to make on even your busiest weeknight. Whether you’re trying to feed a crowd, enjoy a cozy dinner for yourself, or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe promises rich flavor, velvety texture, and a pop of color that will win over everyone (even those who usually pass on lentils!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this soup has a purpose — from the earthy lentils and aromatic veggies, to the fragrant spices and pop of lemon. These simple staples transform into a robust, soul-satisfying dish, making the Best Lentil Soup Recipe a staple you’ll want to revisit all year long.

Olive oil: This is your flavor foundation, adding a hint of richness and helping to soften the veggies for extra depth.
Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and balance, helping to deepen the soup’s character.
Carrots: Bright carrots infuse the soup with color, gentle sweetness, and nutrients galore.
Celery: Adds a lovely savory note and slight crunch that holds up in the simmering broth.
Garlic: There’s nothing like fresh minced garlic to wake up all the flavors in the pot.
Ground cumin: Brings a subtle earthiness and warmth that defines the Mediterranean feel.
Ground coriander: Offers a lemony lift and pairs beautifully with the lentils and tomatoes.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky undertones and a brilliant red hue — a total flavor booster!
Dried thyme: Brings gentle herbal notes that work wonderfully with the rest of the aromatics.
Bay leaf: A classic for long-simmered soups, it infuses extra savory essence as the soup cooks.
Dried brown or green lentils: The star of the Best Lentil Soup Recipe, these lentils hold their shape and deliver a creamy, hearty bite.
Vegetable broth: Gives you a savory base and helps meld all the ingredients into a flavorful harmony.
Diced tomatoes with juices: Brings brightness, acidity, and texture while keeping the soup fresh.
Salt: Pulls out all the hidden flavors — taste as you go for your perfect seasoning level.
Black pepper: Rounds out the seasoning with a touch of gentle heat.
Fresh spinach: Adds a pop of green, a tender bite, and boosts nutrition right at the end.
Lemon juice: A finishing squeeze of lemon wakes up every spoonful with bright, zesty freshness.

How to Make Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until they’ve softened and turned slightly golden, about 5 minutes. This step brings out the very best in these vegetables, creating a flavorful base that sets your Best Lentil Soup Recipe apart from the rest.

Step 2: Toast Spices

Once your veggies are softened, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Let them cook for about a minute — you’ll notice the aroma immediately! Toasting these spices intensifies their flavors and allows them to deeply infuse the soup.

Step 3: Add Lentils and Liquids

Next, add the bay leaf, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (juice and all), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. You’re building layers of goodness here, so savor the process.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the lentils become beautifully tender, the flavors meld, and you start to see that signature color develop in your Best Lentil Soup Recipe.

Step 5: Add Greens and Lemon

Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for a couple of minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat and add the fresh lemon juice. This last touch offers a beautiful brightness, tying all the flavors together. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before ladling up!

How to Serve Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing is the secret to making any soup look and taste restaurant-worthy! For this soup, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds color and a burst of fresh flavor. If you enjoy a gentle heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is a welcome addition, too.

Side Dishes

The Best Lentil Soup Recipe is plenty hearty on its own, but it’s even better paired with a hunk of crusty bread, toasted pita, or warm naan for dipping. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil makes a refreshing companion. For a Mediterranean twist, a plate of olives or tangy feta is perfect on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Ladle the soup into wide bowls for an inviting, rustic look, or serve it in small mugs for a cozy appetizer. For gatherings, try serving the soup “family style” in a big pot with a toppings bar nearby — let friends customize with extra lemon, herbs, or even a splash of vegan yogurt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Ladle cooled leftovers into airtight containers and enjoy for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, so it’s sometimes even tastier the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space for expansion. The Best Lentil Soup Recipe freezes fabulously for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it, as lentils tend to thicken a bit in the fridge. Microwave reheating also works for single servings; just cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, resulting in a creamier texture. While you can use them, expect a different look and a softer consistency — still delicious, just a bit less hearty!

Is this soup spicy?

The spices in the Best Lentil Soup Recipe add depth and warmth, not heat. If you enjoy spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to taste.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try adding diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for an extra boost of color and nutrition. Just cut everything to a similar size so they cook evenly.

How can I make the soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, blend a cup or two of the finished soup using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender), then stir it back in. This thickens the broth while still preserving some chunky texture.

Is the Best Lentil Soup Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes — this soup is ideal for meal prep! It keeps well, gets more flavorful by the day, and is easy to portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches or stress-free dinners all week long.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Best Lentil Soup Recipe — it’s the kind of dish that brings comfort and joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re new to plant-based soups or a seasoned lentil lover, this classic hits all the right notes. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your kitchen!

Best Lentil Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

A comforting and flavorful lentil soup recipe that is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal. This vegan and gluten-free soup is packed with vegetables, lentils, and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying and wholesome dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and thyme, cook for 1 minute.
Add bay leaf, lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove bay leaf before serving.