Photon's Light Lentil Soup

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

A vibrant, nutrient-packed soup that captures the essence of light through golden turmeric and bright lemon zest, simmered to perfection for a nourishing meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lentils, chicken broth, medium 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium onion and 2 stalks celery into 1/4-inch pieces. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and edges are translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp turmeric, stir for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, and 2 diced medium carrots. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and carrots are soft.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into the pot and stir. Remove lemon peel, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Photon's Light Lentil Soup 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 Photon's Light 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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Photon's Light 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 Photon's Light Lentil 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 Photon's Light 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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