Slow-Simmered Red Lentil Soup
Hearty, velvety soup made with red lentils and carrots, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal. This middle eastern-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, chopped carrots, chopped celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup red lentils and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and soup thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Remove bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and continue simmering for 2 more minutes. Adjust salt to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Red 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 Slow-Simmered Red 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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Red 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 Slow-Simmered Red 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 Slow-Simmered Red 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Amazingly rich and satisfying. I made it for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The spices were just right and it was so easy to make. Will be a regular in my winter menu.
- ★★★★★
The best red lentil soup I've ever made. So creamy and flavorful, even without the optional garnish.
