Recipe VIDEO above. Don't settle for a bland lentil soup. Make it right, and you'll have everyone begging for seconds...and thirds! The touch of spices and finishing it off with lemon really lifts this soup to the next level.
Recipe by Nagi@RecipeTin Eats on March 23, 2020
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT45M
Total time: PT55M
Rating
4.95 stars (952 reviews)
Keywords
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped ((white, brown, yellow))
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot (, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups))
2 celery ribs (, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups))
2 cups / 400g dried lentils (, green or brown, rinsed (Note 1))
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 minutes.
Add celery and carrot. Cook for 7 - 10 minutes or until softened and the onion is sweet. Don't rush this step, it is key to the flavour base of the soup.
Add all remaining ingredients except the lemon and salt. Stir.
Increase heat and bring to simmer. Scoop scum on the surface off and discard (do this again during cooking if required). Place lid on and turn heat down to medium low. Simmer for 35 - 40 minutes or until lentils are soft.
Remove bay leaves.
Thicken Soup: Using a stick blender, do 2 or 3 quick whizzes to thicken the soup (see video below). Or transfer 2 cups to a blender, let it cool slightly, then hold lid with tea towel and blend then transfer back into pot.
Add a touch of water if you want to adjust soup consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Grate over the zest of the lemon then add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with warm crusty bread slathered liberally with butter!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 421 g
Calories: 311 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 111 mg
Sugar: 5 g
Reviews
Louise on 2026-07-03 (5 stars): In my experience I’ve found that lemon (not necessarily with zest) elevates the taste of a soup. I don’t use it on milk and cream based soups. In your case it would probably need to become an acquired taste. However, may I suggest that if you like heat, as in chillies, you could add some to make it edible. I’m saying this as I find that adding lemon juice to soups spicier than what I expected, often helps a bit. You could also add some Greek yoghurt, either in the pot, or swirling it in plates individually.
Rocco M on 2026-04-19 (5 stars): Just discovered your site when searching for a lentil soup recipe. This one is a keeper! I used smoked paprika, and substituted fennel for some of the celery to balance the smoked flavor, and added some mixed greens (spinach, kale and chard) at the end of cooking time. Finally, you're right the lemon zest and juice are a great finishing touch!
What a sweet tribute to your Dozer. I can see he was a special contributor to your kitchen, as was my Scooter. He always took interest in my cooking, especially when he could smell chicken :) I am also grateful to have many happy memories of him.
Lucy on 2026-04-06 (5 stars): Another great recipe! Thank you for sharing.
Sylvia on 2026-04-06 (5 stars): This has been my go-to lentil soup recipe for like 6 years. It never fails! Thank you, Nagi!
Thi on 2026-04-04 (3 stars): Way too much citron! I highly recommend to just use a little bit of zest and juice for a quick taste test before adding more. I followed the recipe and the overpowering citron ruined it
Sheron Patterson on 2026-03-30 (5 stars): Just made the Lentil Soup!! OMG!
Soooo easy and good. I am glad I read the comments, I added more of everything ❤️
Emily on 2026-03-25 (5 stars): Must admit I was dubious as I started this, but OMG!! The lemon makes it, it’s divine!
Issa on 2026-03-22 (5 stars): This is my first time having lentil soup and it was delicious, and economical! I used cornbread instead of crusty bread, so good. I'm thinking of adding potatoes next time. P.S. The smoked paprika and lemon took it over the top.
Marble on 2026-03-12 (5 stars): This is seriously amazing. Even if you use canned lentils and don't have coriander or lemon, and for no reason you can explain, start pouring in quinoa!
Ciaran on 2026-03-06 (5 stars): Made this with bok choy instead of celery (family member has a celery allergy) and it turned out great!
Alex Rangel on 2026-02-27 (5 stars): Love love love
Kym on 2026-02-26 (5 stars): Made this again tonight and asked myself the same question as you - why don’t I make this more often! We served it up with store bought garlic bread. Yum yum yum!
Maree K Milne on 2026-02-26 (5 stars): This is an Australian site, we use British English spelling. Maybe before you post rude and arrogant comments you should make sure you're actually correct... Particularly when spelling "correct".
Bec on 2026-02-17 (5 stars): She has done it again! Absolutely delicious! Everytime I make it it’s so tasty! Thank you for another beautiful dish. It freezes well and does not loose taste.
Kyra Kowasic on 2026-02-16 (5 stars): This is the 2nd time Ive made this soup and it is so delicious! So many depths of flavors with the recommended spices. The only change I made was using shallots instead of onions (my husband can't stand onions but seems like I can sneak shallots on him once in awhile :) - Loved it- ate most of it freezing the rest. Thanks for sharing!
Sam on 2026-02-15 (5 stars): Delicious ,dont even miss the meat.
I think this could be used as a pie filling? Maybe, i think it would work.
Marcia on 2026-02-11 (5 stars): Your lentil soup recipe IS the best! So says my fussy husband. The spices and lemon add just the right flavoring. Thank you for sharing!
Lauren on 2026-02-09 (5 stars): This is a fantastic recipe! Super easy to follow with minimal ingredients. The soup itself turns out amazing. I've made this soup 3-4 times now and it turns out great every time! I make this on Sundays to enjoy for lunch throughout the week, and honestly, it gets even better as the week goes on.
Anna on 2026-02-07 (5 stars): Love this recipe so much! I’ve made it a bunch of times and it always hits the mark. Have replaced the lentils with split peas a few times and that turns out delicious too. One of the only soups my six year old will eat!
