One-Pot Lentil Soup
Description
A hearty, cozy, and budget-friendly soup made with lentils, vegetables, tomatoes, and warm spices. Everything cooks in one pot, making it easy and perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 35–40 minutes
- Total: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add main ingredients: Add lentils, diced tomatoes, broth, cumin, paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover partially and simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish: Remove the bay leaf and stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Healthy Benefits
- Lentils: Rich in plant-based protein and fiber.
- Vegetables: Add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- High fiber: Helps keep you feeling full.
- Low in saturated fat: A wholesome choice for everyday meals.
Pro Tip
For a thicker, creamier soup, mash about 1 cup of the cooked lentils and vegetables against the side of the pot and stir them back into the soup.
Frequency
Enjoy this soup 1–3 times per week as part of a balanced diet. It also stores well for easy meal prep.
Q/A
Q: Can I use canned lentils?
Yes. Reduce the cooking time and add about 3–4 cups of drained, rinsed canned lentils during the last 10 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I make it more filling?
Serve it with whole-grain bread, brown rice, or a simple salad.
Serve
Serve hot with:
- Crusty whole-grain bread
- Fresh parsley
- A squeeze of lemon
- Simple green salad
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Creamy: Blend 1–2 cups of the soup and stir it back in.
- Mediterranean: Add oregano, zucchini, and extra lemon.
- Protein-rich: Add shredded chicken or cooked turkey.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth and keep the recipe completely plant-based.
Related Recipe Ideas
- Moroccan Lentil Soup
- Vegetable Bean Soup
- Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Mediterranean Marinated White Beans
Final Thought
Simple ingredients, one pot, and lots of comforting flavor this lentil soup is an easy, nourishing meal for any day of the week.
