Print

Simple Lentil Soup

Print Recipe

A warm, nutritious, and wallet-friendly lentil soup made with pantry staples, perfect for weeknights or guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt (add to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and starting to turn translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the rinsed lentils, then pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf if using.
  5. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  7. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in salt and adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon or pulse briefly with an immersion blender.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, grated cheese, or crusty bread.

Notes

Rinse the lentils well before use. For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water.

Find it online: https://www.wholesomeeasy.com/lentil-soup/