There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade lentil soup. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly winter day or a light yet satisfying meal in the warmer months, this recipe is a perfect fit. Packed with wholesome ingredients like lentils, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, it’s a delicious way to incorporate plant-based protein and nutrient-rich veggies into your diet. With its hearty texture and rich flavors, this classic lentil soup feels like a hug in a bowl—simple to make yet deeply satisfying. What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your pantry or preferences.
This recipe is designed for both slow cooker and stove top methods, giving you the flexibility to prepare it however it best fits into your schedule. Throw everything into a slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-serve meal, or make it on the stove for a quicker option that fills your kitchen with its inviting aroma. The addition of optional spinach and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a burst of brightness, taking this classic dish to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this lentil soup is a recipe you’ll come back to time and again.
Classic Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
Stove Top: 1 hour
Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
400g dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and sorted
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tin (400g) diced tomatoes
1.9 litres vegetable or chicken stock
2 bay leaves
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large handfuls fresh spinach
Fresh lemon juice for serving
Stove Top Method
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the lentils, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and bay leaves.
4. Pour in the stock and season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
5. (Optional) Stir in the spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, until wilted.
6. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
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Slow Cooker Method
1. Add the lentils, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, thyme, and oregano on top.
2. Pour in the stock and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
4. (Optional) Stir in the spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, until wilted.
5. Remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve warm.
Cooking Tips:
Don’t add salt until lentils are tender, as salt can make them tough during cooking
For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in a pan before adding to the slow cooker
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
The soup will thicken as it stands; thin with additional broth if needed
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months
For a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the lentils and potatoes before serving.
Fresh parsley or coriander can be added as a garnish for extra flavor.
Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread for serving
Extra virgin olive oil drizzle
Red pepper flakes for heat
Nutritional Notes:
This soup is naturally:
High in fiber
Rich in protein
Low in fat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Budget-friendly
Enjoy your comforting lentil soup!
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