Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme

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

A hearty and nourishing soup loaded with earthy lentils, tender root vegetables, and fresh thyme, perfect for cozy evenings. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 65 minutes pairs green lentils, carrots, parsnip for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced celery stalks, 2 diced medium carrots, and 1 diced medium parsnip. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth, and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in 1 tbsp red wine vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with rustic bread if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme?

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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme?

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 Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme 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 Rustic Lentil and Root Vegetable Soup with Thyme vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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