Description
This Easy Homemade Lentil Soup is a hearty, plant-based recipe packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a one-pot, healthy comfort food perfect for meal prep, cold days, or quick weeknight dinners. A must-try lentil soup with garlic, carrots, and warm spices.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or spinach (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley or spinach if using. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread or store for later.
Notes
You can substitute green or brown lentils; red lentils will break down and make the soup creamier.
Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much while storing.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne during step 2.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 13
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 0