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Best Lentil Soup in a rustic bowl with steam and lemon

Best Lentil Soup for Quick Healthy Comfort Food

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This simple vegan lentil soup comes together quickly using pantry staples like lentils, canned tomatoes, spices, and greens. Perfect for a hearty, healthy meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste

Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat.

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.

4. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, to enhance their flavor.

5. Pour in the lentils, broth and water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

6. 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.

7. Transfer 2 cups of the soup to a blender. Purée until smooth, then return it to the pot. (Or use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.)

8. Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 more minutes, or until softened.

9. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper or lemon juice.

10. Serve hot. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.


Notes

Make sure to prep all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth cooking.

This soup freezes beautifully—perfect for batch cooking.

For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes to taste.

Feel free to substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg