Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup Recipe for All Occasions

Name: Easy and Delicious Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp dried thyme; Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Recipe By:

GCT-ADM

Posted:

March 10, 2025

Updated:

March 10, 2025

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The aroma of simmering spices fills the air as you prepare your kitchen for an unforgettable experience. This classic lentil soup recipe blends earthy flavors with a rich broth that warms both heart and soul.

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re snuggled up on the couch. A steaming bowl of this vibrant green goodness makes its way to your hands. That first spoonful is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This hearty lentil soup is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
Packed with layers of flavor, it offers a cozy visual appeal that invites seconds
Versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry, this dish will quickly become a family favorite

Nothing brings friends and family together quite like the aroma of homemade soup wafting through your home. I once made this recipe for a potluck, and the entire pot vanished within minutes, leaving only crumbs behind!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Green or Brown Lentils: These varieties hold their shape well when cooked, providing a satisfying texture.
Carrots: Sweet and colorful, they add depth to the flavor profile while giving the soup that vibrant hue.
Celery: Fresh celery contributes crunchiness and balances the earthiness of the lentils perfectly.
Onion: Dice it finely; onions bring sweetness as they cook down into golden perfection.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for that pungent aroma that infuses every spoonful with warmth.
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes; they lend acidity that brightens up the dish beautifully.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while enriching the soup base.
Spices (Cumin, Thyme): These spices elevate the flavor profile; feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped herbs add freshness and color right before serving.

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

Let’s Make It Together

Sauté Your Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent—this should take about 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in carrots and celery along with minced garlic. Cook until fragrant—approximately another 3 minutes—and sprinkle in cumin and thyme.

Mix in Lentils and Tomatoes: Pour in rinsed lentils along with canned tomatoes. Stir well so everything gets cozy before adding vegetable broth.

Simmer Away!: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes; stir occasionally.

Tweak It To Your Taste!: After cooking time is up, taste-test your creation! Add salt or pepper if needed—don’t be shy!

Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Just before serving, fold in freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to brighten up flavors. Enjoy every warm spoonful!

This comforting lentil soup recipe not only satisfies but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. Serve it alongside crusty bread or green salad for an unbeatable meal combo! The leftovers will keep well too—if there are any left.

Now tell me—what will you pair this deliciousness with?

You Must Know

This lentil soup recipe is not just easy; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl
With rich flavors and a hearty texture, it’s perfect for chilly nights
Plus, it’s healthy, filling, and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have lying around your kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add lentils and broth. Simmer gently for 30 minutes. This sequence ensures the lentils absorb all those delicious flavors while keeping their shape.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like carrots or spinach. For spice lovers, adding cumin or smoked paprika elevates the flavor profile significantly. Experiment until you find your perfect blend.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Enjoy that freshly made taste again!

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve a rich flavor, always use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking lentils
Adding a bay leaf during simmering infuses depth to the soup
Remember to balance seasoning at the end for the best taste!

Cooking lentil soup brings back fond memories of rainy afternoons spent with my grandmother, who always added a secret ingredient that made her version extra special.

FAQs