Slow-Simmered Lentil Soup with Dill
A hearty, comforting soup made with dried lentils and fresh dill, simmered to perfection for a nourishing bowl. This general-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs dried green lentils, diced (1/4 inch) carrots, diced (1/4 inch) celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green lentils
- 2 diced (1/4 inch) carrots
- 2 diced (1/4 inch) celery stalks
- 1 finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add lentils, vegetable broth, and sea salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in fresh dill and lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Lentil Soup with Dill 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 Slow-Simmered Lentil Soup with 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 dried green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lentil Soup with 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 Lentil Soup with Dill 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.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Lentil Soup with Dill?
General soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold day. The lentils were so tender.
- ★★★★★
Loved the slow-simmered depth of flavor. My family asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
This soup is a winter staple in my house now! The dill is perfect.
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