There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of classic lentil soup. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that nourishes the body and soothes the soul. This recipe isn’t about complicated steps or rare ingredients; it’s about celebrating the rich, earthy flavor of lentils with a classic blend of vegetables and herbs. If you’re searching for a go-to soup that’s both incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ve found it. This is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch that will keep you satisfied for hours.
We’re taking basic pantry staples and transforming them into a meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why This Is The Best Classic Lentil Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a foolproof guide to the most flavorful and hearty classic lentil soup you’ll ever make. It’s designed for enthusiastic home cooks who appreciate simple, delicious food.
Incredibly Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Healthy & Nutritious: Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day! It’s an ideal recipe to make ahead for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. For another great make-ahead meal, try this slow cooker ham and bean soup.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
This simple, one-pot classic lentil soup is perfect for a weeknight meal.
For the Soup Base
Brown or Green Lentils: These hold their shape well during cooking, giving the soup a wonderful texture.
Mirepoix (Onion, Carrots, Celery): The classic trio that forms the aromatic foundation of countless soups and stews.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic kick that deepens the flavor.
Vegetable Broth: Use a good quality broth, as it makes up the bulk of the soup’s liquid.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds a touch of acidity and sweetness that balances the earthy lentils.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This initial step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Next, stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed lentils, cumin, coriander, thyme, and the bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Much like a classic French onion soup, letting it simmer slowly is the key to melding the flavors.
Step 3: Finish and Season
Once the lentils are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Give the soup a good stir. For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend a small portion of the soup. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy!
The essential ingredients that create the rich flavor base for our lentil soup.
Tips for a Perfect Pot of Soup
Even the simplest recipes have little tricks that can elevate them from good to great. Here are a few tips for this classic lentil soup:
Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse your lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris or dust.
Don’t Salt Too Early: Adding salt at the beginning can sometimes cause the lentils to become tough. It’s best to season the soup at the end of the cooking process.
Add a Splash of Acid: A small splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end can brighten up all the flavors.
Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking lets the flavors settle and deepen.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:
Add Sausage: For a heartier, non-vegetarian version, add cooked Italian sausage or chorizo.
Stir in Greens: Add a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Make it Creamy: A swirl of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end will give the soup a richer, creamier consistency.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices for a little bit of heat. If you enjoy spicy comfort food, you might also like this Cajun chicken mac and cheese recipe.
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
This soup is a meal prep champion. To store, let it cool completely and then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating. You can gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
For longer storage, this lentil soup freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Brown or green lentils are the best choice for this classic lentil soup. They hold their shape well during cooking, which gives the soup a pleasant texture. Red or yellow lentils tend to break down and become mushy, which is better suited for thicker, puree-style soups or dahls.
No, you do not need to soak lentils before adding them to the soup. Unlike dried beans, lentils cook relatively quickly. Just be sure to rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or debris before you start.
This soup will naturally thicken as it cools. For a thicker consistency right away, you can use an immersion blender to blend about one-quarter of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon.
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky taste, or stir in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving.
Yes, classic lentil soup is incredibly healthy. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and folate. This soup is low in fat, packed with vegetables, and provides a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
The Ultimate Classic Lentil Soup Recipe
FL Recipes
Classic Lentil Soup: A Simple and Hearty Recipe
This classic lentil soup is a simple, hearty, and flavorful recipe made with basic pantry staples. It's a healthy, one-pot meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, packed with protein, fiber, and delicious earthy flavors.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, coriander, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a slightly thicker and creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalProtein: 16gFat: 5gFiber: 18g
Notes
Brighten it Up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar stirred in at the end will brighten the flavors beautifully. Rinse Well: Be sure to rinse your lentils thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the pot to remove any dust or debris. Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
We’d love to see how your classic lentil soup turned out! A warm, hearty bowl of this soup is a guaranteed winner for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below and consider sharing it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of homemade classic lentil soup!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
