Which One the Best Is: Spiced Lentil Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, warming soup where cumin and turmeric transform humble lentils into the 'best' bowl of comfort food. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, vegetable broth, medium, diced 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 150g rinsed brown lentils, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 600ml vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, and blend half the soup with an immersion blender until smooth for a velvety texture (optional). Season with salt to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Which One the Best Is: Spiced Lentil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Which One the Best Is: Spiced 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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Which One the Best Is: Spiced 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 Which One the Best Is: Spiced 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 Which One the Best Is: Spiced 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.

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