Fidelity's Hearty Lentil Soup
A nourishing and robust soup packed with lentils, vegetables, and herbs, simmered to perfection for a dish that's both wholesome and dependable. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, large onion, carrot 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrot
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup green lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), and 2 celery stalks (diced), and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup dried green lentils (rinsed), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Step 4: After 30 minutes, remove the bay leaf and stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fidelity's Hearty Lentil 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 Fidelity's Hearty 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fidelity's Hearty 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 Fidelity's Hearty Lentil 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 Fidelity's Hearty 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
