Description
When you need a comforting, nourishing meal that’s easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, this Easy Homemade Lentil Soup is the answer. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and warming herbs, it delivers a wholesome punch in every spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners, this one-pot wonder checks every box for an easy recipe, quick dinner, healthy soup, or hearty vegetarian meal idea. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or something to serve with crusty bread, this bowl brings big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
6 cups vegetable broth
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add lentils, thyme, bay leaf, and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes.
6. Add chopped kale or spinach; cook until wilted.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
8. Remove bay leaf and serve hot with garnishes if desired.
Notes
For a creamier texture, blend half the soup before adding the greens.
Add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar at the end to brighten the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy recipe, lentil soup, vegetarian dinner, healthy soup, weeknight meal