Save A hearty comforting soup loaded with lentils carrots and celery, perfect for chilly days, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
I first made this lentil soup for my family on a chilly weekend, and it quickly became a regular favorite because everyone loved how filling and tasty it was.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery stalks: 3, diced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Dried lentils: 1 1/2 cups (300 g), brown or green, rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.5 L)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g), with juice, optional for extra depth
- Bay leaf: 1
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley or dill: 2 tablespoons, optional
- Lemon wedges: for serving, optional
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine soup ingredients:
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (if using), bay leaf, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Cook soup:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Finish:
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For creamier texture, partially puree with immersion blender, or leave chunky.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Save Whenever we serve this soup for dinner my kids love helping me chop carrots and celery, and we always enjoy the leftovers the next day for lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
This lentil soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to improve as it sits.
Variations
Try adding diced potatoes, spinach, or kale for extra vitamins or use red lentils for a softer texture and quicker cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten up the soup and add a lovely tang.
Save This lentil soup is a comforting classic that comes together simply and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.