Classic Lentil Soup Recipe (Hearty & Comforting)

Why Make This Recipe

Classic Lentil Soup is a hearty, nutritious meal that warms you up from the inside out. Packed with protein and fiber, lentils are not only good for your health but also incredibly versatile. This soup is easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it as a comforting dish any time of the year. Plus, it is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. For more cozy bowl ideas, try our Potato Soup or Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.

Classic Lentil Soup Recipe (Hearty & Comforting)

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Classic Lentil Soup is hearty, healthy, and full of flavor. Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome veggies, this vegan and gluten-free soup is perfect for chilly days or meal prepping all week long. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable!

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 bay leaves
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups dry green lentils, rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3–4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes.
2. Add carrots and celery. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 minute to toast spices.
5. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20–30 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally. Add more water if needed.
7. Remove bay leaves. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley. Store leftovers in fridge for 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Notes

Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for more nutrition. Use canned lentils for faster cooking—just stir them in during the last 10 minutes. This soup is great for meal prep and freezes beautifully!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lentil soup, vegan soup, gluten-free, healthy soup, easy lentil recipe, meal prep

How to Make Classic Lentil Soup

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion (diced)
3 carrots (sliced)
2 stalks celery (sliced)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 bay leaves
Black pepper (to taste)
2 cups dry green lentils (sorted and rinsed)
1 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
3–4 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions:

• Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the carrots and celery and sauté for 1 minute. Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Spices: Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper to the pot. Mix well and sauté for 1 minute to toast the spices.
• Simmer: Stir in the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups (700 ml) of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender. If the soup is too thick, add more water as needed.
• Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste if necessary.
• Serve: Serve warm, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Serve Classic Lentil Soup

Enjoy Classic Lentil Soup on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side like our fresh Savory Apple Salad for a complete meal. Feel free to add extra toppings like croutons or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor and texture.

How to Store Classic Lentil Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen on the stove.

Tips to Make Classic Lentil Soup

• Rinse your lentils: Make sure to rinse the lentils before adding them to remove any debris or dust.
• Add veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients, or even stir in roasted veggies from our Cozy Sheet Pan Dinner.
• Adjust seasonings: Taste as you go and adjust spices and seasonings to your liking.

Variations

You can make this soup with different types of lentils, such as red or brown lentils. Just note that cooking times may vary. You can also add diced potatoes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick! For another hearty bowl, try our Smoky Beef and Bean Chili or vegetarian-friendly Italian Pasta Salad.

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