Pin it A hearty, comforting soup loaded with lentils, carrots, and celery, perfect for chilly days, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
I first made this soup on a rainy weekend when our vegetable bin was full and we craved something warm. The simple ingredients came together so nicely that now I make it regularly for its comforting vibe and easy prep.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing vegetables
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery: 3 stalks, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Lentils: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.5 L)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g), with juice, optional
- Bay leaf: 1
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon, optional
- Fresh parsley or dill: 2 tablespoons chopped, optional for garnish
- Lemon wedges: For serving, optional
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lentils & Liquids:
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (if using), bay leaf, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optional Puree:
- For creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree soup, or leave it chunky as desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Pin it This soup is a favorite for cozy nights when my family gathers together, and even our picky eaters love dunking their bread in the rich broth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. A touch of lemon at serving is highly recommended to brighten the flavors.
Customize Your Soup
Add diced potatoes, fresh spinach, or kale for extra texture and nutrition. The flavor works well with a hint of chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup tastes even better after resting overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
Pin it This soup is perfect for both weekday dinners and meal prep. Enjoy how easy and nourishing every bowl can be!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of lentils works best?
Dried brown or green lentils hold their shape well and work beautifully in this soup.
- → Can I make the soup creamier?
Yes, blending part of the soup with an immersion blender creates a silky texture without losing all the veggies.
- → What spices enhance the flavor?
Cumin and thyme provide warmth while smoked paprika adds a subtle depth if desired.
- → Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely—its flavor deepens when refrigerated and reheated the next day.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Crusty bread complements the hearty soup and helps soak up the rich broth.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, diced potatoes, spinach, or kale are great additions for variety and extra nutrients.