Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty soup with equal parts sweet carrots and earthy potatoes simmered with protein-rich lentils and aromatic herbs. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine diced carrots, diced potatoes, rinsed lentils, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until carrots and potatoes are tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove pot from heat and let cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup milk and season with salt and pepper to taste. Return to low heat and warm through for 2-3 minutes without boiling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Carrot-Potato Lentil Soup vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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