What makes this the best lentil soup? Let’s just say everyone we’ve served it to immediately asks for the recipe…and the desserts.
Are you on the lens train? Lentils are low in calories, high in nutrients and economical. And they produce 40 times less greenhouse gases than a burger. Impressive, right? Here’s our new favorite way to eat them: ours The best lentil soup ever. Yes, Alex and I cut out the superlatives because this one is so delicious it will make you feel like you’re in a hug. Did we mention this is also a plant-based dinner recipe? This vegan lentil soup will surprise you.
Do you have an instant pot? Make this recipe with Instant Pot Lentil Soup
why people love it
To make sure this really is the best lentil soup, we tested this recipe with some of our readers. Luckily, this cozy soup turned out better than expected at our real recipe testers! Here’s what they had to say:
- “I made the soup last night. loved the taste. My husband said it could easily happen at our house on a regular basis!” -Laura
- “I made your best lentil soup and I totally agree with the title of the recipe! Yummy!” -Sarah
What makes this the best lentil soup?
This vegan lentil soup is packed with flavor despite being made entirely of plants. While some recipes rely on bacon or sausage to keep eaters coming back, this one doesn’t require meat or dairy. Even our 2 year old was obsessed with this healthy recipe! Here are the tips for preparing an irresistible lentil soup:
Tip 1: Sautéed fennel brings a flavor nuance.
Using fresh fennel with the standard onion gives this soup a smoky, nuanced undertone. Fresh fennel can be found in the produce section of traditional grocery stores: it looks like a large onion with a fluffy tip. If you don’t know how to chop this vegetable at home, here’s how to chop fennel.
Tip 2: Fire roasted tomatoes give a tomato sweetness.
Fire roasted tomatoes are sweeter than regular tomatoes, which can have a bitter aftertaste. Tomatoes put on a show here! If you can’t find them, get the best quality canned tomatoes you can get your hands on.
Tip 3: Adding garlic at the end enhances the flavor.
Garlic is usually added at the beginning of a soup’s preparation, when the vegetables are steamed. Here you toss in chopped garlic End when the soup is well cooked. This way it adds even more flavor! Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to absorb the garlic flavor.
nutrition of lentils
Lentils aren’t just delicious – they’re packed with nutritional value and cheap to buy! This lentil soup is not only good for the wallet, but also healthy. Here are some of the key nutritional benefits of lentils:
- Proteins & Fiber: Lentils contain a large amount of vegetable protein. 1 cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. (Source)
- Low in fat and calories: Lentils contain virtually no saturated fat and are low in calories.
- Protection against heart disease: Lentils are rich in polyphenols, micronutrients believed to help protect against cardiovascular disease. (Source)
They’re good for the planet too!
And what do lenses have to do with the planet? More than you think. A recent article in the New York Times looked at food and climate change and reported that the global food system is responsible for about ¼ of the greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. The item diagram shows Difference between beef and lentils (grouped under beans). Beef emits 40 times more greenhouse gases than lentils.
If that’s not the motivation behind making our best lentil soup ever, then we don’t know what is! If you need more ideas, some favorites include this lentil salad or this lentil curry. Or check out our best lentil recipes or our best vegan recipes.
Variations of lentil soup
Here are some variations of lentil soup that you might like:
What to serve with lentil soup
What do you serve with this lentil soup? Just a soup does not make a meal! (Unless you eat a few servings, which we often do.) Here are some dishes we’d serve with this soup:
This lentil soup recipe is…
Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based and dairy-free.
The description
What makes this the best lentil soup? Let’s just say everyone we’ve served it to immediately asks for the recipe…and the desserts.
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 head of fennel
- 2 big carrots
- 1 clove of garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils
- 281 ounce fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 liter vegetable soup
- 1 cup the water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 cups baby spinach (or regular chopped spinach)
- Chop the onion. Dice the fennel. Peel and cut carrots. Grate the garlic and set aside to incorporate once the soup is cooked. (Have an Instant Pot? Go to Instant Pot Lentil Soup and skip to step 2!)
- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and fennel and sauté for 6-7 minutes until translucent. Add the carrots, lentils, tomatoes, broth, water, salt, paprika, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil. Simmer for 22 to 25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and grated garlic and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper if needed. Serve immediately. Keeps up to 4 days in the fridge and 3-4 months in the freezer.
- Category: main course
- Method: Cook
- Kitchen: American
Keywords: Lentil Soup, Best Lentil Soup, Lentil Soup Recipe, Lentil Recipes
More like lentils
There are many other lentil recipes that are a delicious way to incorporate this superfood into your diet. Here are some you might like:
- French Lentil Salad It’s easy to make this unique variety of lentils taste amazing! This lentil salad is made with a Dijon vinaigrette, shallots, goat cheese and fresh mint.
- Hearty Lentil Stew Packed with hearty flavor and packed with plant-based protein: perfect for an easy lunch or dinner!
- Spiced Brown Lentils An easy lunch or dinner idea: lentils! This basic recipe makes perfectly seasoned lentils that you can eat as a quick meal or use in tacos, salads and more.
- Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentils) A spicy Indian lentil dish that’s both flavorful and comforting; Serve with rice or naan bread for dipping.
Last update: January 2020
