Slow-Simmered Rustic Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A hearty and wholesome soup featuring tender lentils, root vegetables, and fresh herbs slow-cooked to develop deep, comforting flavors. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs dry brown lentils, carrots, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 dry brown lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, sautéing for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add 1 cup dry brown lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice, and 6 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 3: Add 3 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Rustic Lentil and Vegetable Soup 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 Slow-Simmered Rustic Lentil and Vegetable 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 dry brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Rustic Lentil and Vegetable 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 Rustic Lentil and Vegetable Soup 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 Slow-Simmered Rustic Lentil and Vegetable 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious and easy to make. I'll be making this every winter!
- ★★★★★
This soup is a weeknight lifesaver! The lentils were tender and the vegetable medley was perfect.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this soup. It's so comforting and the flavors melded beautifully.
