Description
A hearty, comforting, and protein-packed Classic Lentil Soup made with simple vegetables, warm spices, and fresh lemon for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- Optional: Kale or spinach
- Optional: Diced potatoes
- Optional: Corn (frozen or canned)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté for another minute, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and 3 cups of water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes until the lentils are tender. Add up to 1 extra cup of water if needed for desired consistency.
- Remove the bay leaves, stir in the lemon juice, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Add leafy greens like kale or spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
- Diced potatoes or corn can make the soup heartier and sweeter.
- Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic if needed.
- Brown or red lentils may be substituted; red lentils cook faster.
- Fresh thyme or oregano may replace bay leaves.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: classic lentil soup, lentil soup, healthy lentil recipe, vegan soup, hearty soup, easy lentil soup