Easy Lentil Soup

Warm, nourishing, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Easy Lentil Soup is your perfect go-to recipe for a comforting, one-pot meal. Brimming with the earthy richness of lentils, vibrant diced vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme, this soup delivers a deep, flavorful punch with every spoonful. It's a breeze to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time before simmering to tender perfection in under an hour. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this hearty lentil soup is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, and it comes together with pantry staples like canned tomatoes and vegetable broth. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy it as a satisfying standalone dish or paired with crusty bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf, then season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

If desired, use an immersion blender to slightly puree the soup for a thicker texture, leaving some chunks for a hearty consistency.

Step 8

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2446.3 grams (2446.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1272

Total Fat 43.30g	56%
Saturated Fat 7.30g	37%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6648mg	289%
Total Carbohydrate 184.40g	67%
Dietary Fiber 47.70g	170%
Total Sugars 52.70g
Protein 52.30g	105%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 475mg	37%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 5094mg	108%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.2%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 55.2%