Smoky Cozy Lentil Soup
Smoky, cozy, and a little tangy, this lentil soup is pure comfort in a bowl—garlic, onion, carrots, tomatoes, and warming spices make it hearty, satisfying, and weeknight friendly. Great for meal prep and even better the next day!
6
bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or any preferred olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced or diced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups (300 g) dry green or brown lentils rinsed
- 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes about 14-15 oz / 400g with juices
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth or stock; can use half water
- 1 bay leaf
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- salt and black pepper to taste
To Finish
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice or red/white wine vinegar, to taste
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach or chopped kale optional
- fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until onion is softened and translucent, 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, and bay leaf. Stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, and add more broth/water if it seems too thick.
- When lentils are cooked, stir in lemon juice (or vinegar). Add greens if using, and cook just until wilted and vibrant, 1–2 minutes. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
- Discard the bay leaf, ladle soup into bowls, and top with plenty of chopped fresh herbs. Serve with bread or crackers for extra comfort!
Notes
This soup is super flexible—substitute veggies, toss in other greens, or add a swirl of coconut milk for creaminess. The flavors deepen after sitting, making leftovers even better. Freezes and reheats well. For a tomato-free version, just skip tomatoes and add more broth. Use red lentils for a creamier texture and shorter cook time. For more protein, stir in cooked chicken or sausage.
Nutrition
Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4900IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 5.3mg