If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that warms both heart and soul, this Classic Lentil Soup Recipe is just the ticket. It’s a vibrant medley of tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and savory broth that comes together with ease, making it a perfect dish for any day of the week. The wonderful thing about this Classic Lentil Soup Recipe is how the simple, wholesome ingredients combine to create a rich, nourishing flavor that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re new to cooking lentils or a longtime fan, this soup delivers wholesome goodness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building the comforting depth and texture of the soup. These pantry staples work in harmony to deliver a balanced, colorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the veggies and add a silky richness to the base.
- Yellow onion: Diced finely, it brings natural sweetness and an aromatic foundation.
- Carrots: Sliced for a subtle sweetness and vibrant contrast in color and texture.
- Celery stalks: Adds a slight crunch and classic savory undertone integral to soups.
- Tomato paste: A concentrated burst of umami that deepens the flavor profile with its slightly tangy richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced freshly to infuse the soup with warm, pungent flavor.
- Dry green lentils: The star ingredient, providing hearty texture and earthy taste; remember to sort and rinse well.
- Crushed tomatoes: Adds brightness and a subtle acidity that complements the lentils perfectly.
- Vegetable broth: Acts as a flavorful liquid base that elevates every ingredient.
- Water: Adjusted to control soup consistency, making it just right for pleasing spoonfuls.
- Fresh lemon juice: The finishing touch to brighten and balance the deep flavors.
- Chopped parsley: For fresh, herbal garnish that lifts the entire bowl visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Classic Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them gently until everything softens and you can smell that irresistible savory sweetness filling the kitchen. This step creates the flavor base that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 2: Build Depth with Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a few minutes with the softened vegetables. This concentrates that delicious tangy richness and adds a beautiful hue to the soup, setting the stage for the lentils to shine.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sauté
Next, mix in the minced garlic, letting it sauté briefly to unlock its fragrant oils without burning. This small step pumps up the aromatic intensity and complements the natural sweetness of your sautéed veggies.
Step 4: Combine Lentils and Liquids
Pour in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently until the lentils become tender, which usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This simmering phase is where the flavors meld and the soup takes on its hearty personality.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Season
When the lentils are perfectly tender, stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and season with salt and pepper to your liking. That citrusy punch elevates the entire dish, balancing the earthiness of the lentils with a vibrant uplift.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. The fresh herb adds a cheerful pop of green color and a refreshing note that contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory broth. Now you’re ready to savor the fruits of your labor!
How to Serve Classic Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to sprinkle on top, but you can also experiment with a drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for creaminess. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add exciting texture and flavor twists.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or even a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. You might also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or grain bowls to keep things hearty and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or topped with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. For gatherings, present it in individual ramekins with a small herb sprig for a charming touch. These little details make the Classic Lentil Soup Recipe feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it an excellent choice for easy lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
Classic Lentil Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. When thawed, the flavors only deepen, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it to your preferred consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use red lentils instead of green?
Absolutely! Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, resulting in a creamier texture. If you prefer a heartier bite and the classic look, stick to green lentils; but for a silky smooth soup, red lentils are a great alternative.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is necessary for dry green lentils, though rinsing them thoroughly helps remove any debris. They cook relatively quickly, making them perfect for weeknight meals.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After sautéing the vegetables and tomato paste on the stove, transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils are tender.
What spices work well in this soup?
While the recipe keeps it simple, you can add spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or thyme for a flavor boost. Just add them when you sauté the garlic for the best infusion.
Is this soup suitable for vegan diets?
Definitely! The entire Classic Lentil Soup Recipe is plant-based and vegan-friendly, relying on vegetable broth and fresh vegetables to create rich, comforting flavors without any animal products.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of warm, homemade soup that feels both nourishing and delicious, and this Classic Lentil Soup Recipe delivers that in spades. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough to suit any taste. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it yourself—once you do, it might just become a staple in your kitchen, ready to brighten up your mealtimes whenever you need a little comfort.
Print
Classic Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and nutritious classic lentil soup made with green lentils, fresh vegetables, and a touch of tomato paste. This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy meal and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dry green lentils, sorted and rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3–4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add garlic and briefly sauté: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and water: Mix in the green lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Finish with lemon juice and seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve with garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- You can adjust water quantity to reach your desired soup consistency.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf or dried herbs like thyme during simmering and remove before serving.
- This soup can be pureed for a creamy texture if preferred.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
