Frugal Lentil & Root Vegetable Soup
A hearty, nutrient-dense soup made with inexpensive lentils and root vegetables, simmered to perfection for a comforting budget meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed dried green lentils, vegetable broth, medium, diced carrots 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, rinsed dried green lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 1 medium, diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup rinsed dried green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 diced medium carrots, 1 diced medium potato, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 tsp salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove bay leaf; stir in 1 tsp dried parsley and adjust salt to taste.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly, stirring frequently until vegetables are soft and sauce clings to spoon.
- Step 6: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Frugal Lentil & Root Vegetable 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 Frugal Lentil & Root 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 rinsed dried green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Frugal Lentil & Root 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 Frugal Lentil & Root 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 Frugal Lentil & Root 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
