Bowl of the best lentil soup with fresh herbs and vegetables

Best Lentil Soup

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s packed with protein and fiber from the lentils and loaded with vitamins from the vegetables. This soup is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a warm lunch, a quick dinner, or a dish to share with friends, this best lentil soup is sure to satisfy.

how to make Best Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 4 medium carrots (chopped, about 2 cups)
  • 2 celery stalks (chopped)
  • 6 small or 3 large kale leaves (stems finely diced, leaves chopped, about 8 cups)
  • Heaping ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves (grated)
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • ¾ cup dry green lentils (rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 12 fresh thyme sprigs (bundled)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, kale stems, cumin, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, lentils, vinegar, thyme, and broth. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  4. Add the kale leaves and cook for 5 minutes, or until wilted.
  5. Remove the thyme bundle and season to taste. Serve topped with parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan, if desired.

how to serve Best Lentil Soup

Serve the lentil soup hot in bowls. You can garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, and grated Parmesan cheese, if you like. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

how to store Best Lentil Soup

To store the lentil soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.

tips to make Best Lentil Soup

  • Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer more heat, add more red pepper flakes.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers to make it heartier.
  • If you want a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender, but leave some chunks for a nice contrast.

variation

You can make this soup with different types of lentils such as brown or red ones. Each will give the soup a unique flavor and texture. Additionally, you can experiment with different greens in place of kale, such as spinach or Swiss chard.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils instead of dry?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse them and add them towards the end of cooking to heat through.

2. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this lentil soup is vegan as it does not contain any animal products. You can leave out the Parmesan cheese for a fully vegan option.

3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and skip any bread toppings.