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· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a nourishing, cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve just found it. Let me introduce you to The Best Lentil Soup Recipe — trust me, this isn’t just any lentil soup. It’s packed with earthy spices, fresh veggies, and a splash of lemon that brightens every bite. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or when I’m cooking for friends.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika add depth without overpowering the natural earthiness of the lentils.
Simple, Whole Ingredients: Using fresh veggies and pantry staples keeps it wholesome and accessible.
Customizable Texture: You can easily adjust thickness by blending part of the soup or adding extra broth.
Bright Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end lifts the whole dish, making it vibrant and fresh.

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, easy lentil soup recipe, healthy lentil soup, cozy comfort food - 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 lentil soup recipe is a beautiful mash-up of ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table. Each one plays its part, and if you shop carefully, it comes together quickly and easily.

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, easy lentil soup recipe, healthy lentil soup, cozy comfort food - 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: A great base for sautéing and building depth with veggies.
Onion and garlic: The classic flavor duo that forms the soup’s savory foundation.
Carrots and celery: These add natural sweetness and texture, plus plenty of fiber.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds acidity and a hint of sweetness, rounding out the broth’s flavor.
Dry green or brown lentils: The star of the show—nutritious, hearty, and filling.
Vegetable broth: Brings everything together and keeps the soup extra flavorful.
Ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika: These spices add warmth and a gentle smokiness that’s absolutely addictive.
Baby spinach (or kale): Greens that wilt perfectly and add freshness and color.
Lemon juice: The secret weapon for brightness and cutting through the richness.

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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

I love keeping this recipe flexible, so you can truly make it your own. Maybe you’re into bold spices, or you want to keep it mild for the kids. And meat lovers, don’t hesitate to toss in a bit of sausage or ham if you’re feeling it!

Variation: I sometimes swap baby spinach for kale, especially in colder months, which adds a heartier texture but needs a bit more simmering time.
Protein Boost: For extra protein, I’ve tossed in diced chicken or added a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
Spice Level: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Make It Creamy: Using an immersion blender to puree part of the soup gives a creamy texture without any cream.

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

Step 1: Sauté Your Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir these frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and everything smells amazing. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it or let anything brown too much.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Lentils, and Spices

Pour in the crushed tomatoes (including all the juices), then add your lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine—this is where your soup really starts to come to life.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. The lentils will soften and the soup will thicken naturally. I like to check a few times, stirring gently to prevent sticking on the bottom and ensuring even cooking.

Step 4: Blend to Texture, Then Add Greens and Lemon

If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer 1-2 cups to a blender, puree, and stir back in. Then stir in the baby spinach ribbons (or kale if you’re using that), and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. It only takes a minute or two for the greens to wilt, adding a lovely brightness and texture to your soup. Season with salt last so you can adjust to taste perfectly.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Cleansing Lentils: I always rinse my lentils well before cooking to remove any debris; it also helps the soup taste cleaner and fresher.
Consistent Stirring: Stir the soup gently and regularly while simmering to avoid lentils sticking to the pot bottom and burning.
Adjust Thickness On The Fly: Don’t hesitate to add more broth or water gradually if the soup gets too thick for your liking.
Spice Balance: I suggest adding salt last, after all ingredients are combined, to help balance the spices perfectly.

How to Serve The Best Lentil Soup Recipe

The Best Lentil Soup, hearty lentil soup, easy lentil soup recipe, healthy lentil soup, cozy comfort food - 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 the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of plain yogurt or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to make each serving feel a little special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm pita for dipping. My go-to is a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to add crunch and brightness alongside the warm, comforting soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve lentil soup in mini bread bowls – it’s fun and edible! Or, write a cozy note with small bowls of feta cheese, chili flakes, and fresh lemon wedges to let guests customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they usually keep well for up to five days. Lentil soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a charm! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, which makes for quick, comforting meals on busy days. Just leave some headspace for expansion, and label them with the date.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw the soup overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it feels too thick after reheating, adding a splash of broth or water does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a more mushy texture. If you use them, reduce the simmering time and expect a creamier, less chunky soup. They still taste great but change the texture quite a bit.
How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken it, blend a portion of the soup to break down the lentils and veggies or simmer uncovered to reduce liquid. To thin it out, simply stir in more vegetable broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! As written, this recipe is vegan and vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure your vegetable broth is vegan, and you’re good to go.
Can I prepare this soup ahead for meal prep?

Yes! It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes well. Portion it out for easy reheating, perfect for lunches or dinners when time is tight.

Final Thoughts

This recipe isn’t just about making soup — it’s about creating comfort in a bowl that you can rely on anytime. I honestly look forward to making The Best Lentil Soup Recipe on cold evenings because it warms me up inside and out. I hope you give it a try and that it becomes one of your go-to meals as it is for me. Cooking it for family or friends always feels rewarding because it’s that kind of dish everyone loves and appreciates. So grab that pot, get those ingredients, and let me know how yours turns out!