Best Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- ¼ cextra virgin olive oil
- 1 mediumyellow or white onion
chopped
- 2carrots
peeled and chopped
- 4garlic cloves
pressed or minced
- 2 tspground cumin
- 1 tspcurry powder
- ½ tspdried thyme
- 1 largecan diced tomatoes
lightly drained, 28 ounces
- 1 cbrown or green lentils
picked over and rinsed
- 4 cvegetable broth
- 2 cwater
- 1 tspsalt
- red pepper flakes
- to tastefreshly ground black pepper
- 1 cchopped fresh collard greens or kale
tough ribs removed
- 1 tbsplemon juice
Directions
- 1
Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. One-fourth cup olive oil may seem like a lot, but it adds a lovely richness and heartiness to this nutritious soup.
- 2
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrot and cook, stirring often, until the onion has softened and is turning translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder and thyme. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, in order to enhance their flavor.
- 4
Pour in the lentils, broth and the water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper. Raise heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- 5
Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Securely fasten the lid, protect your hand from steam with a tea towel placed over the lid, and purée the soup until smooth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pot. (Or, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup.)
- 6
Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the greens have softened to your liking. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt, pepper and/or lemon juice until the flavors really sing. For spicier soup, add another pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
- 7
Serve while hot. Leftovers will keep well for about 4 days in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for several months (just defrost before serving).
Best Lentil Soup
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2019__10__Vegetarian-Lentil-Soup-LEAD-2-407f8fd24aca46f4a3ebb75b798468ca.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3,800 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that's both nourishing and incredibly flavorful? This Best Lentil Soup recipe delivers warmth in every spoonful, making weeknight dinners or cozy weekends a breeze with simple pantry ingredients. It’s the kind of wholesome, satisfying dish you’ll want to return to again and again.
What makes this soup truly special is its harmonious blend of aromatic spices—ground cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme—that infuse the lentils with deep, satisfying flavor. It’s a naturally vegan dish that comes together quickly, relying on mostly pantry staples and minimal fuss to create a truly rich and robust meal. Having your ingredients prepped and ready before you start ensures a smooth cooking process.
Imagine a bowl brimming with tender brown or green lentils, softened carrots, and fragrant garlic, all simmered in a rich tomato and vegetable broth. You'll experience a comforting warmth, subtly spiced with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, perfectly balanced by a bright finish of fresh lemon juice. The addition of collard greens or kale adds a welcome depth and texture, making each spoonful feel wholesome and deeply satisfying.
This versatile lentil soup welcomes your personal touch. While brown or green lentils are recommended, you can adjust the greens by using either collard greens or kale. Feel free to dial up the heat with extra red pepper flakes to suit your preference, and remember to adjust the lemon juice at the end for that perfect bright counterpoint.
Perfect for a cozy evening in or a wholesome family dinner, this hearty lentil soup stands wonderfully on its own. Serve it alongside some crusty bread for a complete and utterly satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.