Premeir Lentil Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of Premier Lentil Soup, a hearty and wholesome recipe that’s brimming with flavor and comfort. This one-pot wonder combines protein-rich green or brown lentils with a medley of aromatic vegetables, including carrots, celery, and onions, all sautéed to perfection in olive oil. A fragrant blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme infuses every spoonful with warmth, while diced tomatoes and a splash of fresh lemon juice brighten the dish. Simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and optionally studded with tender baby spinach, this soup is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Ready in under an hour, Premier Lentil Soup is perfect for meal prep and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp side salad. Gluten-free, vegan, and packed with plant-based protein, it’s a must-try recipe for chilly evenings or light lunches.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 8

If using baby spinach, stir it into the soup and allow it to wilt, about 2 minutes.

Step 9

Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness.

Step 10

Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2726.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1342.0

Total Fat 44.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6859.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.1g	0%
Total Sugars 59.0g
Protein 57.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 660.5mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 6413.4mg	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: 28.0%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 55.8%