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Close-up of lentil soup in a gray bowl, bright natural lighting.

The absolute best lentil soup

This hearty lentil soup is packed with vegetables and flavor, making it a perfect comforting meal. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, a swirl of yogurt

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  4. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a swirl of yogurt, if desired.

Notes

For a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before serving.