A simple lentil soup recipe requires just 7 basic ingredients: 1 cup brown lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, and spices. Rinse lentils, sauté veggies, add remaining ingredients, and simmer 25 minutes. This one-pot meal comes together in 30 minutes with minimal active cooking time, making it ideal for beginners and busy home cooks seeking nutritious, economical meals.
Why This Simple Lentil Soup Recipe Works
Lentil soup stands out as one of the most practical comfort foods you can prepare. Unlike many "quick" recipes that compromise on flavor or nutrition, this version delivers both with genuine simplicity. Brown lentils maintain their shape better than red lentils during cooking, preventing a mushy texture while still becoming tender in just 25 minutes. The combination of aromatic vegetables and pantry staples creates depth without requiring specialty ingredients or complicated techniques.
What makes this recipe truly simple lentil soup preparation? It eliminates common pain points: no soaking required, one-pot cooking minimizes cleanup, and the ingredient list uses items most households already have. You won't find obscure spices or hard-to-locate ingredients—just straightforward cooking that yields restaurant-quality results.
| Simple Lentil Soup Ingredients | Quantity | Prep Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown lentils | 1 cup (200g) | Rinse thoroughly before use |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, chopped | Yellow provides best flavor balance |
| Carrot | 1 large, diced | ¼ inch cubes for even cooking |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Add after onions to prevent burning |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups (950ml) | Low-sodium preferred |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5oz) can | With juices, no draining |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
Step-by-Step Simple Lentil Soup Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Chop onion, dice carrot, and mince garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn.
- Combine ingredients: Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juices, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
- Season: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and salt to taste. For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for 5 additional minutes.
Simple Lentil Soup Variations and Tips
This basic recipe serves as an excellent foundation for customization based on your pantry and preferences. For a creamy lentil soup variation, blend half the soup after cooking for a richer texture while maintaining some whole lentils for interest. If you prefer spicy lentil soup recipes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices or finish with a dash of hot sauce.
When making easy lentil soup on a budget, use dried lentils instead of canned (which don't work well for soup anyway) and substitute water for broth with 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami depth. For instant pot lentil soup adaptation, use the sauté function for vegetables, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with quick release.
Proper storage ensures your simple lentil soup remains delicious for future meals. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best texture. The soup often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutritional Benefits of Simple Lentil Soup
Lentils provide an exceptional nutritional profile that makes this simple soup recipe both satisfying and healthful. One serving delivers approximately 18 grams of plant-based protein and 15 grams of dietary fiber, keeping you full for hours. The combination of lentils and vegetables creates a complete amino acid profile while providing essential nutrients like iron, folate, and potassium.
Unlike many comfort foods, this healthy lentil soup recipe remains naturally low in fat and calories while delivering substantial nutrition. Each serving contains about 280 calories, making it suitable for weight management plans. The high fiber content supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels, offering benefits beyond simple nourishment.
Troubleshooting Common Lentil Soup Issues
Even the simplest recipes can encounter minor issues. If your simple lentil soup turns out too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid, or mash some lentils against the pot side to thicken naturally. For soup that's too thick, gradually add additional broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until reaching your preferred consistency.
When lentils remain hard after the recommended cooking time, check their age—older lentils take longer to soften. Add ½ cup more liquid and continue simmering in 5-minute increments until tender. If your soup tastes bland, remember that lentils need proper seasoning—add salt gradually while tasting, and finish with acid (lemon juice or vinegar) to brighten flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make simple lentil soup without a recipe?
Yes, the basic formula for simple lentil soup is 1 part lentils to 4 parts liquid with aromatics. Use 1 cup lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced carrot, 4 cups broth, and spices. Simmer 25 minutes for perfect results every time without measuring.
What's the fastest way to make lentil soup?
The fastest method uses pre-chopped vegetables and canned broth. Sauté ready-cut veggies for 5 minutes, add rinsed lentils and broth, then simmer 20-25 minutes. Total hands-on time is under 10 minutes with 30 minutes total preparation using this simple lentil soup approach.
Which lentils work best for simple soup recipes?
Brown or green lentils hold their shape best for simple lentil soup recipes, taking 20-25 minutes to cook. Avoid red lentils for this application as they become mushy quickly. French lentils also work well but require 5-10 minutes longer cooking time than brown varieties.
How do I add protein to simple lentil soup?
Lentils already provide substantial plant-based protein, but you can boost it further by adding ½ cup cooked quinoa during the last 5 minutes of cooking or stirring in 1 cup chopped spinach for additional nutrients. For non-vegetarian options, top with a poached egg or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Can I make this simple lentil soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. For slow cooker lentil soup, sauté vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker with rinsed lentils, broth, tomatoes, and spices. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This hands-off method creates incredibly tender lentils with minimal effort for your simple soup preparation.
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