Staple Lentil Soup with Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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

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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.

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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