Lemony Lentil Soup

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where simple pantry staples transform into nourishing, flavorful meals. If you’re tired of heavy soups or bland lentil dishes, this Lemony Lentil Soup offers a bright, zesty bowl packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh lemon, and warming spices naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Perfect for cozy lunches, dinner starters, or meal prep, it’s ready in 40 minutes with silky texture from everyday ingredients. With years of soup expertise, I’ve crafted this recipe for balanced brightness and comforting warmth. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, easy steps, variations, and tips.

Why This Recipe Works

• Lentils cook down to creamy consistency without dairy or blending
• Lemon juice and zest cut through lentil earthiness for refreshing brightness
• Aromatics and spices build deep flavor with minimal ingredients
• Budget-friendly using pantry staples
• High protein, fiber-packed, naturally vegan/gluten-free
• One-pot recipe perfect for weeknights

Ingredients & Prep

• 1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (5-7 minutes).
2. Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric; toast spices 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer.
4. Cover and cook 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Adjust seasoning.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.

Flavor Variations

• Mediterranean: Add spinach, feta, and oregano at end.
• Spicy Moroccan: Include harissa and cinnamon.
• Creamy: Stir in coconut milk for richness.

Storage Tips

Store in airtight containers in fridge for 5 days or freeze for 3 months. Add fresh lemon when reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use red lentils? Yes, but they cook faster (20 minutes) and get creamier.
• Do I need to soak lentils? No, green/brown lentils cook perfectly from dry.
• Make it heartier? Add diced potatoes or cooked rice.

Conclusion

Brighten your bowl with Lemony Lentil Soup zesty, nourishing comfort that’s simple and satisfying. Perfect everyday warmth. For more wholesome soups, visit dishfoody.com and try our Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup.

Lemony Lentil Soup

Print Recipe

Bright and comforting Lemony Lentil Soup with red lentils, fresh vegetables, warming spices, and a generous squeeze of lemon. A nourishing vegan soup perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup, Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
• 2. Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric; stir for 1 minute.
• 3. Add red lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
• 4. Reduce heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
• 5. Remove bay leaf. Stir in spinach until wilted.
• 6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
• 7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use green lentils for heartier texture.
• Blend half for creamier consistency.
• Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
• Add coconut milk for extra creaminess.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 14g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemony lentil soup, red lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, healthy soup