French Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful, this French Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort dish with a touch of rustic charm. Made with nutrient-packed French green lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs like thyme and bay leaf, this soup delivers a rich, earthy flavor in every bite. A splash of tomato paste and diced tomatoes adds depth and brightness, while a simmer in vegetable broth ensures a perfectly tender texture. Ready in under an hour, this satisfying vegan and gluten-free meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Serve it with fresh parsley garnish and crusty bread for a homey yet elegant dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the French green lentils under cold water and set them aside.

Step 2

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and rinsed lentils. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2101.7 grams (2101.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1155

Total Fat 42.10g	54%
Saturated Fat 7.10g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6311mg	274%
Total Carbohydrate 157.80g	57%
Dietary Fiber 41.60g	149%
Total Sugars 40.00g
Protein 48.10g	96%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 387mg	30%
Iron 16mg	89%
Potassium 4425mg	94%

*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: 31.5%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 52.5%