Lemony Lentil Soup Recipe

Name: Lemony Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils; 1 medium carrot, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: June 2, 2025

by samuel cullingham

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Lemony Lentil Soup is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The vibrant flavors burst with freshness, and it looks beautiful in any bowl
You can easily adapt the ingredients to fit what you have in your pantry
It’s great as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread!

My friends couldn’t get enough of this soup at my last gathering; they kept asking for seconds and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Lentils: Use green or brown lentils for their hearty texture; they hold up beautifully during cooking.
Carrots: Fresh carrots bring a sweet crunch; choose firm ones for optimal flavor. smoky chicken sweet potato bowls.
Celery: Celery adds a subtle earthiness; opt for crisp stalks that snap when bent.
Onion: A yellow onion works best here, providing sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer an aromatic punch; don’t skip out on this essential ingredient. savory garlic roasted tomatoes.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control sodium levels while allowing the flavors to shine through.
Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances taste; use it for sautéing and drizzling.
Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices add warmth and depth; feel free to adjust them according to your preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing and chopping your carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are uniform for even cooking.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Carrots and Celery: Toss in your chopped carrots and celery next. Sauté these vegetables until they soften slightly, about 5 minute, releasing their natural sweetness.

Stir in Lentils and Spices: Add the lentils along with cumin and paprika. Stir everything together until well combined, letting those spices mingle for about 1 minute to bloom their flavors.

Add Broth and Simmer Away!: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring it covers all the veggies completely. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Finish with Lemon Juice : Once cooked, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Taste, add salt or pepper as needed, and serve hot!

This Lemony Lentil Soup is not just comfort food, it’s pure joy served in a bowl! Enjoy it on its own or alongside some crusty bread.

You Must Know

Lemony lentil soup is not just nourishing; it’s also a flavor-packed hug in a bowl
The citrusy zing brightens your day while the earthy lentils fill you up
It’s perfect for cozy nights and can be transformed based on what you have in your pantry

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add lentils and broth. Simmer until tender, then stir in lemon juice for that zesty finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out lentils for chickpeas or add spinach for extra nutrients. Experiment with spices like cumin for a unique twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding water if needed to loosen it up.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To make the soup richer, use homemade broth instead of store-bought
Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning
Don’t skip the lemon juice; it elevates all flavors beautifully!

Memories of my grandmother making her version of lentil soup flood my mind whenever I prepare this dish. Her secret? Always add a squeeze of lemon right before serving!

FAQ

What can I use instead of lentils in this recipe?

You can substitute lentils with chickpeas or beans for a different texture and flavor.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Lemony lentil soup lasts about five days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze leftover lemony lentil soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months; just remember to thaw and reheat gently.

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