My Mom's Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and full of nostalgic charm, "My Mom's Lentil Soup" is a comforting one-pot meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, and aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and thyme, this soup strikes the perfect balance of wholesome and flavorful. A splash of optional lemon juice brightens the dish, making it irresistibly fresh. Ready in just one hour—including only 15 minutes of prep—this easy lentil soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying, plant-based meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

If using, stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and taste the soup, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. If desired, stir in lemon juice for added brightness.

Step 8

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2232.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1231.0

Total Fat 51.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.9g
Cholesterol 7.9mg	0%
Sodium 5490.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 49.1g	0%
Total Sugars 47.1g
Protein 47.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 632.4mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 5233.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.9%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 49.3%