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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
