Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon
A warming, protein-packed soup with smoky harissa, red lentils, and bright lemon zest for depth. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, medium chopped onions, medium chopped 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 red lentils
- 1 medium chopped onions
- 2 medium chopped carrots
- 2 stalks chopped celery
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 8 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Step 2: Add harissa paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in lentils and stock.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and soup thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in lemon zest and cilantro just before serving to preserve brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon?
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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon?
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 Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon 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 Harissa-Spiced Lentil Soup with Lemon?
Mediterranean 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.
