Sautéed Mushroom and Lentil Soup with Thyme

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

Earthy mushrooms and protein-rich lentils combine in this savory soup fragrant with fresh thyme and garlic. This Mediterranean-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs extra virgin olive oil, cremini mushrooms, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 5, 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

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 12 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup, rinsed dry green lentils
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 7 minutes until browned and their moisture evaporates.
2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed dry green lentils, 5 cups vegetable broth, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Season soup with 1 1/4 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving.