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Classic Lentil Soup

Name: Classic Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; salt and pepper; lemon wedges for serving

Earthy lentils simmer with vegetables and warm spices into a thick, hearty soup that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.

⏱ 10 minPrep time

🔥 40 minCook time

🍽 6Servings

🏷 SoupCategory

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Lentil soup has ancient roots across the Mediterranean and Middle East, considered one of the oldest cultivated legumes, and it became a beloved staple of American home cooking throughout the 20th century as an affordable, hearty, protein-rich meal. It remains popular for its simplicity and wholesome, earthy flavor.

Hearty, wholesome, and packed with protein

Earthy lentils simmer with vegetables and warm spices into a thick, hearty soup that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.

Step by stepInstructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, cumin, and paprika.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover and cook 30-35 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper, and serve with a squeeze of lemon.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Lentils don't require presoaking like dried beans, making this a fast, convenient weeknight soup. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the earthy flavors beautifully.

Recipe details

Prep10 min

Cook40 min

Servings6

CategorySoup

PublishedAugust 12, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Classic Lentil Soup

Hearty, wholesome, and packed with protein

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

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Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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Classic Lentil Soup

Hearty, wholesome, and packed with protein

Step by stepInstructions

💡 Chef tips & storage

Rate this recipe

Recipe details

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

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