Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein — this easy lentil soup is the cozy bowl you’ll crave all year long! 💛
When you’re short on time but still want something healthy and satisfying, this quick & tasty lentil soup recipe is your best friend. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and loaded with flavor from simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Whether you’re making lunch for a busy weekday or a comforting dinner on a chilly night, this lentil soup recipe comes together in under 35 minutes — and tastes like it’s been simmering all day!
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves: 4–6 bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes
🌿 Pantry Essentials:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color & depth)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
🫘 Main Ingredients:
1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon tomato paste
🍋 Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup chopped spinach or kale (for extra greens)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (for a kick!)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Then add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Stir for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices — your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 2: Add Lentils and Tomatoes
Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir to coat everything with the seasonings.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable (or chicken) broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
💡 Quick Tip: If using red lentils, they’ll cook faster (in about 15 minutes), but will give a creamier texture.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
For a thicker soup, mash a few spoonfuls of lentils with the back of your spoon or blend half the mixture using an immersion blender.
Step 5: Optional Greens
Stir in chopped spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.
🌱 Pro Tip: Adding greens not only boosts nutrition but adds color and freshness to your soup!
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve your quick & tasty lentil soup hot, garnished with:
A drizzle of olive oil or chili oil
Crusty bread or warm pita on the side 🥖
Fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of green
A sprinkle of grated parmesan (if not vegan)
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✅ Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
✅ Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
✅ Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
🍲 Meal Prep Hack: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen — perfect for easy weekday lunches!
🌟 Flavor Variations
Version What to Add Flavor Boost
Mediterranean Lentil Soup Add chopped tomatoes, oregano, lemon Bright & tangy
Spicy Lentil Soup Add chili flakes or cayenne Warm & bold
Indian-Inspired Lentil Soup Add curry powder & coconut milk Creamy & aromatic
Moroccan Style Add cinnamon, cumin, and coriander Deep & earthy
Creamy Lentil Soup Blend half the soup & stir in cream Silky smooth
💛 Why You’ll Love This Quick & Tasty Lentil Soup Recipe
✅ Healthy: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.
✅ Affordable: Made with pantry staples.
✅ Customizable: Adjust the spices and veggies to your taste.
✅ One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor!
This truly is the quick & tasty lentil soup recipe you’ll make again and again — comforting, wholesome, and full of love in every spoonful. 💕
🪄 Final Tip
Want to take it up a notch?
Top your bowl with crispy fried onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a spoonful of pesto for a gourmet touch! 🌿
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