Hearty Lentil Potato Soup Flavorful Nourishing Meal

Name: Hearty Lentil Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; to taste salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

November 15, 2025July 17, 2025 by Ava

If you’re looking for a warm and filling meal, this Hearty Lentil Potato Soup will hit the spot. Packed with tender lentils, fresh veggies, and warm spices, it offers comfort in every spoonful. I’ll guide you through easy steps to make this nourishing dish. Dive in to unlock a recipe that not only tastes great but also supports your health. Let’s make a cozy bowl of soup together!

Why I Love This Recipe

Nourishing and Hearty: This soup is packed with lentils and potatoes, making it a filling and nutritious meal perfect for any season.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of spices like cumin and smoked paprika gives the soup a warm, inviting flavor that can be adjusted to your taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

The key to a great Hearty Lentil Potato Soup lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. Here’s what you need:

– 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

– 2 medium potatoes, diced

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 carrots, sliced

– 2 celery stalks, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 6 cups vegetable broth

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a warm and filling soup. The lentils offer protein and fiber. Potatoes add creaminess and heartiness. Onions, carrots, and celery bring a sweet and savory base. Garlic adds depth, while spices like cumin and paprika give it a warm kick.

When choosing your ingredients, I suggest using fresh produce whenever possible. This enhances the flavors and gives your soup a vibrant look. If you prefer, feel free to substitute with your favorite seasonal vegetables. The best part? You can mix and match as you like! This soup is all about comfort and flexibility.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks.

3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent.

Add Aromatics and Legumes

1. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

2. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you smell the spices.

3. Mix in 1 cup of rinsed green or brown lentils, 2 diced medium potatoes, and 6 cups of vegetable broth.

Simmer and Serve

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

2. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.

3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water.

4. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Tricks

Flavor Enhancements

To make your soup even better, try adding herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can boost the taste. You can also add bay leaves while it simmers. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice zing.

Cooking Techniques

An immersion blender works wonders for texture. Just blend a bit of the soup to make it creamy. If you don’t have one, pour some soup into a regular blender. Blend it smooth, then return it to the pot. Watch your simmering time carefully. Too long can make the lentils mushy. Aim for 30-35 minutes for perfect tenderness.

Dietary Considerations

This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you need to change ingredients, use vegetable broth for extra flavor. If you want more protein, swap in chickpeas for lentils. You can also add sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste.

Pro Tips

Pre-soak Your Lentils: For a quicker cooking time, soak your lentils in water for a few hours or overnight. This will help them soften and reduce the overall cooking time.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing process for an extra kick of heat.
Store and Reheat: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before warming on the stove.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the lentils in this soup. Chickpeas work well too. They bring a nice texture. If you want greens, add spinach or kale. These will add color and nutrients. You can mix and match to fit your taste.

Flavoring Options

Want to spice things up? Try adding curry powder or chili flakes. Both will give your soup a warm kick. For a tangy flavor, toss in some diced tomatoes. They brighten the soup and add depth. Experiment with spices to find your favorite blend.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs great with crusty bread or fluffy rice. The bread is perfect for dipping. If you like, top your bowl with cheese or yogurt. This adds creaminess and richness. Enjoy your hearty meal with these simple sides!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your Hearty Lentil Potato Soup in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. The soup can last up to five days in the fridge. When reheating, make sure it is hot all the way through. Stir well to ensure even heating.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The soup freezes well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the soup lasts about five days. In the freezer, you can store it for three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy this nourishing meal whenever you want!

FAQs

How do I thicken Hearty Lentil Potato Soup?

To thicken your Hearty Lentil Potato Soup, you have a few options. First, you can use an immersion blender. Blend part of the soup until smooth, then mix it back in. This adds creaminess and body. If you like, you can also add more lentils or potatoes. Another way is to let the soup simmer longer, which lets it reduce and thicken. If the soup becomes too thick, just add a little more broth or water.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil on the stove. Then, add them to the slow cooker. Next, mix in the garlic, lentils, potatoes, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to blend nicely, giving you a rich, hearty soup.

What are the health benefits of lentils in this recipe?

Lentils are packed with nutrients. They are a great source of protein and fiber, which helps keep you full. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium. Eating lentils can support heart health and help manage blood sugar levels. This soup is not just tasty; it’s good for your body, making it a nourishing choice for any meal.

This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Hearty Lentil Potato Soup. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared variations for your taste and guidance on storage.

Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Use this recipe as a base, and feel free to make it your own. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious sou

$The key to a great Hearty Lentil Potato Soup lies in its simple yet rich ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 2 medium potatoes, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in creating a warm and filling soup. The lentils offer protein and fiber. Potatoes add creaminess and heartiness. Onions, carrots, and celery bring a sweet and savory base. Garlic adds depth, while spices like cumin and paprika give it a warm kick. When choosing your ingredients, I suggest using fresh produce whenever possible. This enhances the flavors and gives your soup a vibrant look. If you prefer, feel free to substitute with your favorite seasonal vegetables. The best part? You can mix and match as you like! This soup is all about comfort and flexibility. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. 3. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent. 1. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. 2. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you smell the spices. 3. Mix in 1 cup of rinsed green or brown lentils, 2 diced medium potatoes, and 6 cups of vegetable broth. 1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. 2. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. 3. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, add more broth or water. 4. For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. 5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. To make your soup even better, try adding herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can boost the taste. You can also add bay leaves while it simmers. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice zing. An immersion blender works wonders for texture. Just blend a bit of the soup to make it creamy. If you don't have one, pour some soup into a regular blender. Blend it smooth, then return it to the pot. Watch your simmering time carefully. Too long can make the lentils mushy. Aim for 30-35 minutes for perfect tenderness. This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you need to change ingredients, use vegetable broth for extra flavor. If you want more protein, swap in chickpeas for lentils. You can also add sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste. Pro Tips Pre-soak Your Lentils: For a quicker cooking time, soak your lentils in water for a few hours or overnight. This will help them soften and reduce the overall cooking time. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup. Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing process for an extra kick of heat. Store and Reheat: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before warming on the stove. {{image_2}} You can change the lentils in this soup. Chickpeas work well too. They bring a nice texture. If you want greens, add spinach or kale. These will add color and nutrients. You can mix and match to fit your taste. Want to spice things up? Try adding curry powder or chili flakes. Both will give your soup a warm kick. For a tangy flavor, toss in some diced tomatoes. They brighten the soup and add depth. Experiment with spices to find your favorite blend. This soup pairs great with crusty bread or fluffy rice. The bread is perfect for dipping. If you like, top your bowl with cheese or yogurt. This adds creaminess and richness. Enjoy your hearty meal with these simple sides! Store your Hearty Lentil Potato Soup in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. The soup can last up to five days in the fridge. When reheating, make sure it is hot all the way through. Stir well to ensure even heating. To freeze the soup, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The soup freezes well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, the soup lasts about five days. In the freezer, you can store it for three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored. Enjoy this nourishing meal whenever you want! To thicken your Hearty Lentil Potato Soup, you have a few options. First, you can use an immersion blender. Blend part of the soup until smooth, then mix it back in. This adds creaminess and body. If you like, you can also add more lentils or potatoes. Another way is to let the soup simmer longer, which lets it reduce and thicken. If the soup becomes too thick, just add a little more broth or water. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil on the stove. Then, add them to the slow cooker. Next, mix in the garlic, lentils, potatoes, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This method allows the flavors to blend nicely, giving you a rich, hearty soup. Lentils are packed with nutrients. They are a great source of protein and fiber, which helps keep you full. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium. Eating lentils can support heart health and help manage blood sugar levels. This soup is not just tasty; it’s good for your body, making it a nourishing choice for any meal. This blog post covers everything you need for a delicious Hearty Lentil Potato Soup. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. I shared variations for your taste and guidance on storage. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Use this recipe as a base, and feel free to make it your own. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious soup!$