Immunity-Boosting Lentil & Vegetable Soup

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

A hearty, nutrient-packed soup loaded with lentils and seasonal vegetables to support your immune system. This Mediterranean-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs olive oil, onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup diced celery, then cook for 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Immunity-Boosting Lentil & 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 Immunity-Boosting Lentil & 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Immunity-Boosting Lentil & 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 Immunity-Boosting Lentil & Vegetable Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Immunity-Boosting Lentil & 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.

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