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Classic lentil soup with vegetables and rich broth in a ceramic bowl

Classic Lentil Soup with Vegetables and Rich Broth

Classic lentil soup is a hearty, comforting soup with tender lentils, vegetables, and a rich savory broth. It is an easy choice for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying homemade dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Black pepper, to taste
Soup Base
  • 2 cups dry green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 3–4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the sliced carrots and celery, then cook for 2 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.
Cooking
  1. Add the rinsed green lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer the soup uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
  3. Take out the bay leaves, mix in the fresh lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving
  1. Serve the lentil soup warm and finish with chopped parsley on top.

Notes

For a thicker soup texture, blend a small portion of the soup and mix it back into the pot while leaving some lentils and vegetables whole.