Name: The Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons; 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes; 2 cups dry green or brown lentils; 7 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 21 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, nutritious bowl to warm your soul, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share The Best Lentil Soup Recipe—a hearty, flavorful soup that’s become a staple in my kitchen during cooler months. Trust me, it’s packed with layers of savory goodness and vibrant veggies, plus it’s surprisingly easy to make. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this soup your new favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika gives the soup a warm, enticing depth.
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Lentils, fresh veggies, and nutritious greens come together to create a filling and healthy meal.
Versatility: It’s easy to customize with different greens or spice levels, making it perfect for your personal taste.
Easy Prep and Cooking: With just one pot and under an hour, you get a soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep alike.

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, healthy lentil soup recipe, easy lentil soup, comforting soup recipes - A close-up view of a white pot filled with lentil soup, showing many small light brown lentils spread throughout a light orange broth. Bright green spinach leaves are scattered all over, adding color and texture. Small pieces of red tomatoes and orange carrot bits are mixed in, giving more color contrast. The broth looks smooth with some bubbles around the edges. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side, placed inside the soup. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup’s magic lies in its blend of earthy lentils, fresh aromatics, and a subtle kick of smoked paprika that rounds everything out. When shopping, I always pick fresh veggies and quality broth—these little details really elevate the result.

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, healthy lentil soup recipe, easy lentil soup, comforting soup recipes - Flat lay of fresh green and brown lentils scattered beside bright orange chopped carrots and light green celery ribs, a whole medium onion with its papery skin partially peeled back, three plump garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a handful of vibrant baby spinach leaves showing deep green shades and delicate veins, a bright yellow lemon cut in half revealing juicy segments, and a small pile of rich red crushed tomatoes with visible seeds and pulp, all naturally arranged with soft natural light highlighting their varied textures and colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics, boosting flavor.
Onion: The base for the flavor; caramelizing slightly enhances sweetness.
Garlic: Provides a punch of savory depth, never skip it!
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and texture that balances the lentils.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch that rounds out the base.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: Introduce acidity and a touch of tang to brighten the soup.
Dry green or brown lentils: The heart of the soup—protein-packed, filling, and hearty.
Vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor; homemade or store-bought works.
Ground cumin: Warm spice that adds earthiness.
Ground coriander: Offers a citrusy, slightly sweet undertone.
Smoked paprika: My little secret for a smoky, layered flavor.
Salt: Essential for lifting all the flavors; always adjust to taste.
Baby spinach or kale: Adds freshness and a boost of green nutrition right at the end.
Lemon juice: The final bright note that balances the earthiness and spices beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of The Best Lentil Soup Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit what’s in your fridge or your mood. I love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or some chili flakes when I want a bit more richness or heat. Play with it and make it your own!

Kale instead of spinach: I’ve made it this way during winter; just simmer the kale longer so it softens nicely.
Spice it up: Adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne really wakes up the soup if you like heat.
Makes it heartier: Sometimes I toss in some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra body and creaminess.
Protein boost: For a non-vegetarian twist, shredded chicken works beautifully stirred in at the end.

Step-by-Step: How I Make The Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s shimmering, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened and fragrant. This step is where the foundation of flavor really builds, so take your time and don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Lentils, and Spices

Next, pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices—this adds acidity and depth. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors before bringing the pot to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. You’ll notice the lentils soften, and the soup thickens beautifully. If you prefer a creamier texture, try blending a few scoops in the pot with an immersion blender, or blend some soup in batches and stir it back in. This creates a luscious consistency without adding cream.

Step 4: Add Greens and Finish with Lemon

Stir in the baby spinach or kale, letting it wilt just a minute—this keeps the greens vibrant and fresh. Finally, squeeze in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and season with salt to your taste. Give the soup one last gentle stir, and you’re ready to serve!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Soften Your Veggies Properly: Don’t skip the 4-5 minute sauté step—it builds the flavor base that makes this soup taste homemade and hearty.
Don’t Overcook the Lentils: Keep an eye after 25 minutes; you want them tender but still holding shape—not mushy.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be bitter; fresh juice adds a vibrant zing that lifts the whole soup.
Adjust Consistency Wisely: If your soup feels too thick, gradually add broth or water, stirring gently so you don’t lose the smoky flavor.

How to Serve The Best Lentil Soup Recipe

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, healthy lentil soup recipe, easy lentil soup, comforting soup recipes - A close-up of a ladle full of cooked lentils mixed with small pieces of orange carrots and finely chopped onions in a thick orange-brown broth, sprinkled with small green herb leaves, held above a white marbled surface with more lentil stew visible underneath, showing a soft, chunky texture with vibrant green, orange, and brown colors, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbal note. A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and soothing tang, especially if you added extra spices. Sometimes, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving is all you need for that silky finish.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread—like a sourdough or rustic baguette—to soak up every last drop. For a lighter meal, I sometimes serve it alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, which complements the soup’s earthiness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this lentil soup in small mason jars layered with a swirl of chili oil and topped with microgreens—it instantly looks fancy! You can also offer an array of garnishes, like toasted pumpkin seeds, diced avocado, or crumbled feta, so guests can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers can be even better than the first serving.

Freezing

This soup freezes exceptionally well. I portion it into meal-sized containers or freezer bags, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water right at the end to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a mushier texture, so they change the soup’s consistency. If you prefer a smoother, more stew-like soup, red lentils can work, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?

One of the best things about this recipe is you don’t have to soak the lentils ahead of time, which saves prep time. Just be sure to rinse them well before adding to the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the veggies on the stovetop to build flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the lentils are tender. Add spinach and lemon juice shortly before serving.
How can I make this soup vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. Just double-check your broth’s label to avoid any hidden animal products.
What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

Try blending a portion of the soup and stirring it back in—that thickens naturally without extra starches. Alternatively, simmer it uncovered a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Final Thoughts

This recipe has earned a permanent spot in my cooking rotation because it’s reliable, healthy, and downright delicious every time. I’m confident once you try The Best Lentil Soup Recipe, you’ll feel the same way—whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or prepping for the week ahead. So, grab your pot and let’s get cooking—you’ll thank yourself later with every cozy, comforting spoonful.