Comfort Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A hearty lentil and vegetable soup designed for busy days at home, offering nourishing comfort with simple ingredients and warming spices. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs dry brown lentils, carrot, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown lentils
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup dry brown lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and the soup thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Comfort Lentil and Vegetable Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Comfort Lentil and Vegetable 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 dry brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Comfort Lentil and Vegetable 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 Comfort Lentil and Vegetable Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Comfort Lentil and Vegetable 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The kids asked for seconds and it was so easy to make.
- ★★★★★
Perfect comfort food for homeschooling days. The Mediterranean flavors were just right.
- ★★★★☆
A bit bland for my taste, but the family loved it. Next time I'll add more herbs.
