Johnson's Hearty Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A nourishing, protein-rich soup with earthy lentils and seasonal vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs red lentils, medium carrots, stalks celery 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
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz can) canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Finely dice 2 medium carrots, 2 stalks celery, and 1 medium onion. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add diced vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 1 tsp cumin and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Hearty Red Lentil and 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 Johnson's Hearty Red 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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Hearty Red 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 Johnson's Hearty Red 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.
Is Johnson's Hearty Red Lentil and 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for my family and they all asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
This soup is my go-to for meal prep. So easy and healthy!
- ★★★★☆
The lentils were perfect, but the carrots were a bit large.
