Lentil Potato Soup Recipe

Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort arrives unexpectedly with this hearty lentil potato soup that whispers warmth into chilly evenings.

Cold weather demands something nourishing and rich with deep, earthy flavors.

Tender legumes nestle alongside soft potato chunks in a velvety broth that feels like a culinary hug.

Mediterranean roots shine through each spoonful, carrying hints of aromatic herbs and gentle spices.

Creamy yet light, this soup balances nutrition with incredible taste that satisfies without weighing you down.

Minimal ingredients promise maximum pleasure, making preparation simple and delightful.

Grab a ladle and let deliciousness begin its magical journey from pot to bowl.

Lentil Potato Soup Filling Comfort In A Bowl

  • Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this hearty lentil potato soup in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich lentils, fiber-filled vegetables, and essential nutrients, this soup delivers a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the evening.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Using affordable ingredients like lentils, potatoes, and basic vegetables, this recipe provides a delicious, wallet-friendly option that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple preparation make this soup an ideal choice for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing taste, allowing more time to enjoy a warm, comforting meal together.

Lentil and Potato Soup Combination

Main Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor and provides a classic soup foundation. Fresh, crisp vegetables work best.
  • Garlic: Adds bold, pungent flavor and enhances overall taste. Choose fresh garlic cloves for most intense flavor.
  • Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds creamy texture and substance to the soup. Waxy potatoes hold shape better.
Protein and Legumes:
  • Lentils: Protein-rich legume that provides nutritional value and thick consistency. Green or brown lentils are ideal for soup.
Liquid and Broth:
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds subtle vegetable flavor. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides acidic brightness and additional liquid to the soup. Canned tomatoes work perfectly.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the vegetables and adds subtle flavor. Fresh or dried thyme both work well.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Parsley, Feta Cheese, Greek Yogurt: Fresh toppings that add color, tanginess, and creamy texture to the finished soup.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base. Extra virgin olive oil provides best taste.

Lentil Potato Soup: From Prep To Bowl

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Place a large pot on the stove and drizzle olive oil across its surface.

Turn the heat to a medium warmth and let the oil shimmer.

Toss in chopped:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Stir these veggies around until they soften and become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Drop in minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for another minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Build the Soup’s Foundation

Introduce the hearty ingredients into your simmering vegetable base:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Dried lentils
  • Vegetable broth
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to get acquainted.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let everything mingle and soften for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Finish and Garnish the Comfort Meal

Check the soup periodically, giving it an occasional stir.

If the consistency feels too thick, splash in some extra broth to loosen things up.

When potatoes and lentils reach a tender state, the soup is ready.

For a final flourish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Add a crumble of feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Lentil Soup Tips With Potato Harmony

  • Chop veggies uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Keep extra vegetable broth nearby to thin the soup if it becomes too thick during simmering.
  • Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the overall taste profile.
  • Incorporate cooked chicken or sausage for non-vegetarian guests seeking additional protein.
  • Store soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier for busy days.

Lentil Potato Soup Stores and Warms Comfortably

  • Store leftover lentil potato soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly heated. Ensure the soup reaches a consistent temperature throughout.

Comforting Flavors For Lentil Potato Soup

  • Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône or Zinfandel that complements the soup's earthy lentils and rich vegetable base, cutting through its robust flavors.
  • Create Crusty Bread Companions: Select rustic sourdough or whole grain bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add textural contrast.
  • Match Fresh Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a zesty, peppery counterpoint to the soup's warm, comforting profile and adds freshness to the meal.
  • Embrace Tangy Side Condiment: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or crumbled feta cheese on top to introduce a creamy, tangy element that brightens the soup's deep, hearty flavors and provides a cool contrast.

Hearty Lentil Soup Interpretations

  • Vegan Power Soup: Replace feta cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, protein-packed version that maintains creamy texture and adds rich, cheesy flavor.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Blend: Add harissa paste or red pepper flakes for a bold, warming kick that transforms the soup into a zesty, exciting meal.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all broth and ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this soup safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
  • Protein-Boosted Option: Incorporate cooked chicken or plant-based protein crumbles to increase protein content and create a more substantial, filling meal.

FAQs

  • Are lentils healthy in this soup?

Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They help boost energy, support digestion, and provide long-lasting fullness without adding many calories.

  • Can I make this soup if I'm vegetarian?

Absolutely! This lentil potato soup is naturally vegetarian and uses vegetable broth. It’s a complete meal with protein from lentils and nutrients from vegetables.

  • How nutritious is this soup for my diet?

This soup is incredibly nutritious, offering a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates from potatoes, plant-based protein from lentils, and vitamins from vegetables. It’s low in fat and high in fiber.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

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Lentil Potato Soup Recipe

Lentil Potato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “Lentil Potato Soup” brings comfort from Mediterranean kitchens, warming souls with rich, earthy flavors. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a nourishing bowl you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Vegetable Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Crumbled feta cheese or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium flame. Introduce diced onions, julienned carrots, and chopped celery, allowing them to soften and release their flavors for approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute to enhance the fragrance.
  2. Integrate cubed potatoes, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Season with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently bring the liquid to a gentle bubbling state, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot to create a steamy environment.
  3. Allow the soup to gently simmer, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient adherence to the pot’s bottom. Monitor the liquid consistency, adding extra broth if the mixture appears too dense. Cook until lentils reach a creamy texture and potatoes become fork-tender, which typically requires 25-35 minutes.
  4. Once cooking is complete, assess the soup’s consistency and seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, crumble tangy feta cheese, or dollop creamy Greek yogurt on top before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting broth quantity for perfect consistency.
  • Choose green or brown lentils for firmer texture, red lentils for creamier result.
  • Enhance plant-based protein by adding quinoa or tofu during cooking process.
  • Make the soup gluten-free by ensuring vegetable broth contains no wheat-based additives.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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