Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill

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

Hearty and soothing lentil soup gently simmered with fresh carrots, tomatoes, and fragrant dill, perfect for a wholesome Mediterranean meal. This greek-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium carrots, diced, large yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 diced medium carrots and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill?

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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill?

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 Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill 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 Slow-Simmered Greek Lentil Soup with Carrots and Dill 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.