Description
Classic Lentil Soup is a hearty, nourishing, and budget-friendly dish made with lentils, fresh vegetables, and warm spices. Perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings with friends!
Ingredients
1 cup lentils (green or brown)
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Rinse and sort lentils; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Boost flavor: Add smoked paprika or chili powder.
Extra veggies: Mix in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Use leftovers: Stir in pre-cooked lentils during the last minutes of cooking.
Meal prep: Tastes even better the next day—make a big batch!
Variation: Add shredded chicken, beef, or jalapeños for spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil soup, vegetarian soup, classic lentil stew, comfort food