Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing, one-pot soup made with pantry-friendly lentils and fresh lemon for a bright, comforting meal ready in 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs brown lentils, chicken broth, medium carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Place in a medium pot with 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Peel and dice 1 medium carrot into 1/4-inch cubes. Finely chop 2 stalks celery. Add to the pot and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender.
  3. Step 3: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp) into the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional) and cook for 2 more minutes until flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a lemon wedge on the side for extra brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon?

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 Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon?

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 Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon 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 Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon 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.

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