News Feed Lentil Soup

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

A hearty, nutrient-packed soup with earthy lentils and vibrant vegetables, simmered to perfection for a comforting bowl. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, stalks, finely diced celery, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp water and sauté 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 finely diced celery stalks for 6 minutes until softened and edges are slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 4 cups broth, 14 oz diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then blend half the soup with an immersion blender until creamy (optional). Return to pot, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does News Feed Lentil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 News Feed Lentil 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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in News Feed Lentil 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 News Feed Lentil 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 News Feed Lentil 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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