Heartwarming Lentil and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Warm, hearty soups have always been a sanctuary during chilly evenings, especially when packed with nourishing lentil and potato ingredients.

Legumes bring deep, earthy flavors that meld perfectly with soft, creamy potatoes.

This simple yet satisfying recipe promises a bowl of pure comfort and warmth.

Rich with aromatic herbs and spices, the soup develops layers of robust taste with each gentle simmer.

Nutrients dance through every spoonful, delivering a nutritious meal that feels like a gentle embrace.

You’ll savor the deeply satisfying combination of tender lentils and velvety potato chunks.

Grab a ladle and get ready to transform your dinner into a cozy, soul-warming experience.

Steps to Create Lentil and Potato Soup

• Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Fire up a large pot on medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil, creating a sizzling foundation for your delicious soup.

• Dance the Veggies

Toss chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic into the pot. Let them waltz and soften, releasing their aromatic for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

• Welcome Potatoes and Lentils

Introduce diced potatoes and rinsed lentils to the veggie party. Stir them around, letting them mingle and share flavor secrets.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a boil, then gently reduce to a simmering whisper.

• Let Happen

Allow the soup to simmer peacefully for 25-30 minutes. Watch as lentils and potatoes transform into tender, comforting bites. Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s content.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and pair with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a heartwarming meal.

Tips to Upgrade Lentil and Potato Soup

• Swap regular salt for herb-infused salt or use low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce sodium content while maintaining robust flavor.
• Prepare the soup in advance and store in airtight containers for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
• Add cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu cubes to transform this soup into a more substantial meal with extra protein.
• Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the vegetable broth, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• For a velvety consistency, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender, creating a rich and smooth texture without adding cream.

Ways to Present Lentil and Potato Soup with Style

• Crusty Bread Companion: Slice a rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to dip into the rich, hearty soup. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful texture contrast.
• Zesty Green Sidekick: Pair the soup with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad cuts through the soup's warmth and provides a refreshing balance.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top. These protein-rich toppings enhance the soup's creamy texture and add a tangy flavor dimension.
• Herb Garden Finish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. These final touches bring brightness and an aromatic lift to the comforting soup.

Store Lentil and Potato Soup Like a Pro

• Divide the soup into 4-6 serving containers for easy individual meals. Each portion provides balanced nutrition and convenient grab-and-go options.
• Store the cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the soup away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor profile.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. Frozen soup remains delicious for 3-4 months when properly sealed.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Are lentils nutritious?

Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. They’re low in calories and help support heart health and digestive wellness.

• Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, green, brown, or red lentils work well in this soup. Each variety has a slightly different texture and cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

• Is this soup good for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This lentil and potato soup is completely vegetarian and provides a balanced, protein-rich meal without any meat ingredients.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add some extra protein like cooked quinoa or diced tofu. You can also include additional vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutrition and create more volume.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need for Lentil and Potato Soup

• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile with sweet undertones, choose firm and glossy bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust depth and complexity, select plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Carrots: Provides subtle sweetness and vibrant color, pick firm and bright orange vegetables.
• Celery: Contributes delicate herbal notes, select crisp stalks with fresh green leaves.

• Lentils: Delivers plant-based protein and earthy richness, rinse thoroughly before cooking to remove debris.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates smooth soup base, select low-sodium options for better flavor control.
• Olive Oil: Enables vegetable sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertones, use extra virgin for best quality.

• Potatoes: Offers creamy texture and comforting bulk, choose waxy varieties like Yukon gold for ideal consistency.

• Dried Thyme: Introduces woodsy, slightly minty flavor, crumble between fingers before adding.
• Dried Oregano: Provides Mediterranean warmth, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh garnish with mild peppery taste, chop just before serving.

• Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste, add gradually and taste frequently.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides superior flavor.

What You’ll Use for Lentil and Potato Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping and preparing all ingredients safely.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring broth and lentils.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Ladle: Needed for serving the soup into bowls smoothly.

Comforting Lentil And Potato Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty lentil and potato soup brings comfort from Mediterranean kitchens, blending rustic ingredients with simple spices. Warm bowls of this soup offer nourishing flavors you’ll savor slowly and appreciate deeply.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.9 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously rinse lentils under cool water, removing any impurities. Dice potatoes, chop onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces, and mince garlic cloves with precision.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, releasing their deep, savory aroma.
3. Ingredient Integration: Add diced potatoes and cleaned lentils to the vegetable base. Stir thoroughly to combine and develop a rich flavor profile, allowing ingredients to meld together.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
5. Transformative Cooking: Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing lentils and potatoes to become perfectly tender. Periodically taste and adjust seasonings, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor. The soup will thicken and develop a deep, comforting essence as it cooks.
6. Serving: Ladle the hearty soup into warm bowls. Enhance with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread or a light salad to complete the meal.

Notes

• Rinse Lentils Carefully: Remove all debris and stones to prevent gritty texture and ensure clean, pure flavor in your soup.
• Sauté Aromatics Thoroughly: Cook onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and translucent, releasing deep, rich flavors that form the soup’s flavor foundation.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add broth gradually and monitor soup’s thickness during cooking. If too thick, splash extra broth; if too thin, let simmer uncovered to reduce naturally.
• Adjust Seasoning Progressively: Taste soup multiple times during cooking, incrementally adding salt and pepper to build balanced flavor without overwhelming ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg