Global Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty soup simmered with cumin, coriander, and a blend of vegetables for a warm, aromatic meal. This soup recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs brown lentils, chicken stock, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 International cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp water and sauté onions and celery for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in cumin, coriander, and diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes to toast spices. Add lentils and 4 cups chicken stock, bringing to a gentle boil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender. Add diced carrots and cook for 10 more minutes until vegetables are fork-tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Global Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Global Spiced 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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Global Spiced 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 Global Spiced 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.

What goes well with Global Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Soup?

International soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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