Hearty Lentil Soup (Printable)

Hearty lentil and vegetable soup spiced with cumin and smoked paprika; lemon and parsley brighten the bowl.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

→ Legumes

07 - 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 6 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Juice of 1 lemon
16 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - For a creamier consistency, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Its one of those rare soups that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep
  • The combination of smoked paprika and fresh lemon creates layers of flavor that feel sophisticated but incredibly homey
  • Everything cooks in one pot, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
02 -
  • Lentils vary by brand and batch, so always taste test at the 35 minute mark rather than setting a timer and walking away
  • The soup will continue to thicken as it sits, so if you're making it ahead, thin it with a splash of water or broth when reheating
  • That final squeeze of lemon juice is absolutely essential, don't be tempted to skip it or the soup will taste flat
03 -
  • Rinse your lentils thoroughly in a fine mesh sieve before cooking to remove any debris or dust
  • If you only have regular paprika, add it, but try to find smoked paprika next time, it's genuinely transformative

Return