Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons
A simple, nutrient-dense soup simmered until lentils melt into a velvety texture, featuring thin carrot ribbons for subtle sweetness. This french-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs red lentils, carrots, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 medium carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 cup red lentils, 3 diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced onion in a pot. Add 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth and 1 tbsp fresh thyme, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Step 2: Cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are completely broken down and carrots are tender (soup should coat the back of a spoon).
- Step 3: Remove thyme sprigs, then blend 1/2 cup of soup until smooth with an immersion blender. Return blended portion to pot and stir to combine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons?
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 Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons?
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 Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons 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.
What goes well with Low-Profile Lentil Soup with Carrot Ribbons?
French 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious. I'll make this every week.
- ★★★★★
The carrot ribbons add such a lovely color and crunch. My husband was impressed.
- ★★★★★
Loved the carrot ribbons! Made it for my kids and they devoured it.
