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Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup Recipe

4.4 from 115 reviews

This Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal, packed with tender lentils, diced potatoes, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for chilly days, this vegetarian soup combines simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Legumes and Canned Goods

  • 1½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Liquids

  • 8 cups vegetable broth

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Then add the cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Toasting the spices briefly with the vegetables helps release their essential oils and enhances the depth of flavor.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Add the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, canned tomatoes (including juices), and vegetable broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
  4. Add Greens (Optional): If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Let the greens wilt slightly, preserving their vibrant color and nutritional value.
  5. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A touch more salt or pepper can really bring out the flavors. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian and vegan-friendly soup.
  • For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding greens.
  • Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh, bright flavor.
  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Optional greens like kale or spinach boost the nutritional value and add color.

Keywords: lentil soup, potato soup, hearty soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup