Description
Looking for a cozy and healthy meal that feeds your soul? Grandma’s Lentil Soup is the answer. This hearty, protein-packed soup is loaded with lentils, vegetables, and rich spices that simmer into the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, wholesome lunch prep, or those chilly nights when you want something nourishing and warm. Ideal for anyone seeking quick dinner ideas, vegetarian recipes, or healthy soup meals made from pantry staples.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, diced potatoes, and broth. Stir in cumin, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the lentils with a spoon before serving.
If you’re adding meat, stir in cooked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken with the broth.
The soup thickens as it cools. Add extra broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, vegetarian, meal prep