The Best Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade lentil soup is packed with flavor and easy to make, even for beginners. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for cozy nights in.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry!
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours.
- Comfort Food: Warm, filling, and super satisfying—just what you need on a chilly day.
Recipe
This hearty homemade lentil soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for any season. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Equipment
Large pot
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Cuisine
Vegetarian, Mediterranean
Serving
Serves 4-6
Nutrition
This homemade lentil soup is packed with essential nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 15g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade lentil soup with warm, crusty bread—it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all the flavor. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette on the side adds a nice crunch and balance to the meal. These simple additions make the soup feel like a complete, cozy feast.
Fresh Bread Pairing
When serving homemade lentil soup, you’ll find there’s nothing quite like pairing it with fresh, warm bread to make the meal feel complete. I love choosing bread types like crusty baguettes, soft focaccia, or hearty sourdough—they each bring something special to the table. My favorite dipping technique involves tearing off a piece of bread, letting it soak up just enough soup, and enjoying that perfect blend of flavors. Sometimes, I’ll lightly toast the bread for extra crunch. It’s such a simple pairing, but it turns a cozy bowl of soup into a comforting, satisfying meal. You’ll see!
Salad Side Options
While lentil soup is hearty on its own, adding a fresh salad can really brighten up the meal and balance its richness. I love pairing it with a simple green salad—think crisp romaine, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s light, invigorating, and cuts through the soup’s earthiness perfectly. For something sweeter, a fruit salad works wonders. I’ll mix seasonal fruits like apples, grapes, and oranges, maybe even add a sprinkle of mint for freshness. Either option adds a pop of color and flavor, making the meal feel complete without being too heavy. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
