Name: Best Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon curry powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, lightly drained; 1 cup brown or green lentils, picked over and rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste; Pinch of red pepper flakes; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup chopped fresh collard greens or kale, tough ribs removed; 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice (½ to 1 medium lemon), to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that warms both body and soul, then you absolutely have to try the Best Lentil Soup Recipe. This vibrant soup combines hearty lentils with fragrant spices, tender vegetables, and just the right touch of brightness from fresh lemon juice. It’s a vibrant bowl of goodness that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, perfect for any day when you want something wholesome, filling, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white pot sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick mixture of red tomato sauce, diced orange carrots, and brown lentils layered on top, with the lentils not yet stirred in. An orange spatula rests inside the pot on the right side, partially covered in sauce, while a wooden spoon stirs the contents from the left. The sauce looks chunky with visible tomato pieces and a rich, deep red color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to unlocking the lasting flavors and textures of this soup. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s adding depth, richness, or an inviting color that makes the dish as beautiful to look at as it is to taste.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and a touch of heartiness that carries the soup beautifully.
Yellow or white onion: The savory backbone that slowly softens and sweetens while cooking.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and a lovely vibrant hue.
Garlic cloves: Bring warm, aromatic undertones essential to the flavor’s complexity.
Ground cumin: Offers an earthy warmth and depth.
Curry powder: Introduces a gentle, exotic spice that livens up the broth.
Dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that round out the dish.
Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and a touch of sweetness to brighten the soup.
Brown or green lentils: The hearty hero providing protein, fiber, and satisfying texture.
Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful, savory liquid base.
Water: Balances the soup’s concentration and simmers everything tender.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and pulls everything together.
Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle kick of heat for those who like it spicy.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a warm, sharp touch at the finish.
Collard greens or kale: Provide lovely leafy texture and a burst of green color.
Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the earthy lentils with a refreshing zing.

How to Make Best Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Though a quarter cup might seem like a lot, this oil brings a luxurious richness to the soup that you’ll notice with every spoonful. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook them gently, stirring often until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This softening creates the perfect foundation for the rest of the flavors to build upon.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Spice Layer

Next, toss in the minced garlic, cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme. Stir constantly to prevent burning—just about 30 seconds until everything smells deeply fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes, lightly drained. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly to release their natural sweetness and enrich the soup’s base.

Step 3: Simmer the Lentils to Tenderness

Pour in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and water. Season the pot with salt, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then partially cover the pot and reduce the heat to keep a gentle simmer going. Let the lentils cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes until they’re tender but still hold their shape perfectly—this balance is what makes this the Best Lentil Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Purée and Add Greens

Remove about two cups of the soup and carefully blend it until smooth using a blender or an immersion blender. Returning the puréed mixture to the pot gives the soup a beautifully creamy texture without losing any of its hearty character. Then stir in your collard greens or kale, letting them soften in the hot soup for five minutes or until you reach your preferred tenderness.

Step 5: Brighten the Flavor

Finally, remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes until all the flavors come alive. This finishing touch of acidity perfectly lifts the earthiness of the lentils, gifting this recipe its unforgettable, well-rounded character.

How to Serve Best Lentil Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with thick orange-brown soup that has chunks of red tomatoes, green leafy pieces, and small bits of vegetables and grains spreading evenly throughout. Inside the soup, a wooden spoon is partially dipped, showing the mix of textures and colors with a warm, hearty look. The pot sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the rich soup colors, and in the background, small yellow lemon wedges peek out, adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness that’s simply irresistible. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of vegan yogurt adds creaminess and a lovely shine. Toasted seeds or crushed nuts bring an unexpected crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender soup.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best alongside warm crusty bread or pita to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterbalance to the hearty soup. Roasted vegetables or a simple grain salad also pair wonderfully to complete a nourishing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls garnished with lemon wedges for guests to add their own bright touch. Layer it in clear glass jars for a lunch on the go, or top it with crispy fried onions or garlic chips for an elevated gourmet twist that will impress any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Lentil Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve its fresh flavors and textures. Each reheated serving tastes just as good as when freshly made, making it an ideal recipe for easy weekday meals.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, perfect for those times when you want a healthy meal ready to go. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to several months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over medium-low heat to let the flavors meld without becoming too thick or drying out. If it thickens during storage, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it back up. A quick sprinkle of fresh herbs or lemon juice at serving will freshen it up immediately.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to become very soft and mushy. While you can use them, you won’t get the same nice texture contrast that brown or green lentils provide in this soup. If you prefer a creamier soup, red lentils are a fine substitute.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! The Best Lentil Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as all the ingredients are free of gluten. Just be sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free as some brands may add gluten-containing seasonings.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup while cooking. You can also add a splash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick that suits your heat preference.

How do I make this soup creamier without dairy?

Blending part of the soup, as the recipe suggests, naturally thickens and creams it without dairy. For extra creaminess, you can stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream once the soup is cooked.

Can I use frozen greens instead of fresh collard greens or kale?

Yes, frozen greens work well as a convenient alternative. Add them during the final cooking step and extend cooking time slightly until they’re tender. Frozen greens may release more water, so adjust seasoning and cooking time to taste.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring the Best Lentil Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — nourishing, flavorful, and wonderfully simple. Perfect to brighten cool evenings or whenever you need a cozy, healthy meal that fills you with joy.