Description
This easy homemade lentil soup is a hearty, protein-packed recipe made with brown or green lentils, vegetables, and spices. It’s the perfect one-pot vegetarian meal that’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Great for those looking for healthy soup ideas or vegan comfort food!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
6. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use green or brown lentils for best texture.
Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for a green boost.
If reheating from frozen, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg