Dinner

Lentil Soup Recipe

Name: Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed; 6 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 bay leaf (optional)

ByMariam Harutyunyan August 15, 2025August 15, 2025

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If there’s one cozy meal I never get tired of making for friends and family, it’s classic Lentil Soup. This wholesome, hearty recipe is comfort in a bowl: gorgeously simple ingredients simmered together to create layers of savory flavor, tender veggies, and satisfying lentils that fill you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re new to homemade soup or a seasoned cook eager for a reliable go-to, Lentil Soup is your all-weather answer to nourishing, soul-warming food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Lentil Soup is how it packs in tons of flavor with just a handful of essential pantry staples. Each ingredient earns its place here, adding everything from earthy richness to aromatic depth and irresistible color.

Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness to the soup and helps develop the flavors of the vegetables as they sauté.

Yellow onion: Offers subtle sweetness and wonderful fragrance as the flavor base.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color to every bowl.

Celery: Provides a gentle, herby crunch and background savoriness.
Garlic cloves: Serve up that unmistakable aroma and warm savor.

Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with earthy, slightly floral notes that make your kitchen smell amazing.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of warmth and lifts up the flavors.
Dry green or brown lentils: The hearty, protein-packed stars of the show—make sure to rinse them well!

Water or vegetable broth: The simmering liquid that ties all the flavors together; broth gives extra depth, but water works just as well.
Salt: Add to taste at the end for perfect seasoning.
Bay leaf (optional): Pops in a subtle background complexity that elevates the whole soup.

How to Make Lentil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, letting it swirl and shimmer. Add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about five minutes. Stir every so often, just until the veggies soften and the onions start looking translucent—this is where the magic begins, as those savory smells fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Layer in Flavor

Time for the garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for one minute. It only takes a moment for the garlic to become irresistibly fragrant and for the thyme and pepper to toast gently, deepening their flavors. Just don’t walk away—this step goes quickly!

Step 3: Add Lentils and Liquid

Pour in your rinsed lentils along with the water or broth and pop in the bay leaf if using. Give everything a good stir, making sure nothing’s stuck to the bottom and all the flavors are mingling together. The soup already looks vibrant and full of promise!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the whole pot to a boil over high heat. Once you see those steady bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let your Lentil Soup simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the lentils to become tender (but not mushy) and the vegetables to melt together into a comforting broth.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Remove the bay leaf, then stir in salt. Taste and adjust—every batch of Lentil Soup is different, so season until it sings. If you prefer an ultra-creamy texture, mash a bit of the soup with a spoon or give it a quick buzz with an immersion blender.

How to Serve Lentil Soup

Garnishes

A handful of chopped parsley can instantly brighten up each bowl, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a generous sprinkle of freshly grated cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil. Cracked black pepper on top is also fantastic if you like a little punch.

Side Dishes

Lentil Soup is filling enough on its own, but I adore serving it with slices of warm, crusty bread (think sourdough, baguette, or focaccia), which are perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad or a plate of roasted vegetables makes a beautiful, balanced meal alongside this hearty bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the soup into big mugs for a cozy, fireside feel, or ladle into shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of Greek yogurt for an artisan twist. For a special gathering, serve Lentil Soup in small cups as an appetizer “shooter”—it’s both fun and delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lentil Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let it cool completely, then ladle into airtight containers. It will last up to five days, and the flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Freezing

One of my favorite meal-prep tricks: Lentil Soup freezes like a dream! Cool it down first, portion into freezer-safe containers, and stash away for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or gently on the stove for an easy, nourishing meal anytime.

Reheating

Warm leftover Lentil Soup in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up too much. Stir often and heat just until steaming. In a pinch, the microwave works fine—just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely to avoid splatters.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

You definitely can, but keep in mind that red lentils break down more quickly and will make the soup a bit creamier and less chunky. It’s a fun twist, just reduce the simmering time to about 20 minutes.

Is Lentil Soup vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you use vegetable broth (or water) and skip any cheese toppings, Lentil Soup is both vegan and naturally gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleasing option for almost any dietary need.

How can I boost the flavor even more?

For an extra burst of flavor, toss in a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of smoked paprika at the end. You can also add a parmesan rind during simmering (remove with the bay leaf) for savory, cheesy undertones.

Can I add other vegetables?

Totally—feel free to toss in a handful of spinach, kale, diced tomatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Lentil Soup is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have in the crisper drawer.

What’s the best way to make Lentil Soup ahead?

Prepare the soup as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat gently, stirring and tasting to see if it needs a little extra seasoning before serving. It’s an ideal dish for batch cooking!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making Lentil Soup enough—there’s truly nothing like a big, steamy bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or tucking away portions for a busy week, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try, and let Lentil Soup bring a little extra comfort to your table!

Mariam Harutyunyan

Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need