Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

This homemade lentil soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for cooler days, it combines wholesome lentils with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables for a satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 4 cups water
• 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes (with juice, 1 can)
• 1 ½ cups lentils (brown, green, or mixed)
• 3 carrots (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in cumin and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
3. Step 3: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, water, and canned tomatoes with their juice. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat and add lentils and the bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
5. Step 5: Once the lentils are tender, discard the bay leaf and stir in chopped parsley or cilantro to taste. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, puree a portion of the soup before adding the fresh herbs.
• Swap parsley with coriander (cilantro) for a different herbaceous note.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar when serving to brighten the flavors.
• Use dried curry powder blends that suit your spice preference.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?

Yes, brown, green, or mixed lentils work well. Red lentils cook faster and may become mushy, changing the texture.

Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?

No, lentils do not require soaking and can be added directly to the soup.

Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

This hearty and nutritious Homemade Lentil Soup combines tender lentils with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth to create a comforting meal perfect for any season. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this soup is flavorful, wholesome, and versatile, suitable for both vegetarians and meat-eaters depending on the choice of broth.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Broth and Liquids

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 4 cups water
• 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes (with juice, 1 can)

Vegetables

• 3 carrots (diced)
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Legumes and Spices

• 1 ½ cups lentils (brown, green or mixed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add spices: Stir in the cumin and curry powder, cooking them for about 1 minute more until fragrant to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.
3. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, water, and whole canned tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes evenly throughout the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer with lentils: Reduce the heat to low and add the lentils along with the bay leaf. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
5. Finish and serve: Once the lentils are tender, discard the bay leaf. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to add freshness and an herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the fresh herbs.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Lentils may vary in cooking time depending on the type; adjust simmer time accordingly.
• You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to brighten the flavors just before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: lentil soup, homemade soup, vegetarian soup, healthy recipe, easy lentil soup, Mediterranean lentils, one-pot meal