Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Hearty soups can turn any chilly evening into a comforting experience, especially when you’re making this delightful lentil potato soup that warms you from the inside out.

Rich with earthy lentils and creamy potatoes, this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.

The combination of tender vegetables and protein-packed legumes creates a nourishing meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Aromatic herbs and spices dance through the broth, adding depth and complexity to this rustic dish.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value.

Packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to prepare, this soup promises to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Grab a ladle and savor the wholesome goodness waiting in your kitchen.

Lentil Potato Soup Why It’s a Nourishing Choice

• Boost Nutrition Packed with protein-rich lentils and hearty potatoes, this soup delivers a powerful nutritional punch that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Customize with Ease Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Quick Comfort Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a warm, satisfying meal that comes together without complicated techniques, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Uses affordable ingredients like lentils and potatoes, providing a delicious and economical option for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients for Hearty Lentil Potato Soup

• Lentils: Small, protein-packed legumes that provide a hearty base for the soup.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that add thickness and a comforting texture to the dish.
• Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's taste profile.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a deep, savory flavor foundation.
• Herbs (such as Thyme, Rosemary): Provide a fragrant and earthy undertone to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich, smooth finish and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Bread, Oil, Seasonings: Crispy croutons that provide a crunchy contrast to the soft soup texture.
• Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency and volume during simmering.

Must Have Tools for Potato Lentil Soup

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the entire soup from start to finish.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for chopping vegetables and herbs precisely.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for prepping ingredients safely.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and sauteing vegetables.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure broth and lentils accurately.
• Baking sheet: Used for making crispy croutons in the oven.
• Colander: Helpful for rinsing lentils and removing debris.

Cooking Directions for Lentil Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare Lentils and Oven

Carefully rinse lentils under cool water, sorting through to remove any small stones or debris.

Preheat the oven to prepare for crispy croutons later.

Drain the lentils and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Cook Potato Chunks

Toss in diced potatoes and pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot.

Gently simmer the potatoes until they start to soften but aren’t completely cooked through.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer Soup

• Remaining broth
• Water
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and lentils to become tender.

Step 5: Create Crispy Croutons

• Cutting bread into small cubes
• Tossing with olive oil
• Sprinkling with dried herbs
• Adding a pinch of salt

Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crisp.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaves and any whole herb stems from the soup.

Ladle into bowls, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and top with freshly made croutons.

Enjoy your warm, comforting soup!

Lentil Soup Tips for Rich Flavor

• Check lentils carefully for small stones or debris to ensure a smooth, grit-free soup experience.
• Select green or brown lentils for best texture and holding shape during long simmering process.
• Add extra broth if soup becomes too thick, or simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken as needed.
• Roast vegetables before adding to develop richer, more complex taste profile in the soup.
• Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld and develop in refrigeration.

Ways to Change Up Lentil Potato Soup

• Vegan Protein Boost: Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes and add quinoa for extra protein and nutrients.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap herbs with za'atar, add roasted red peppers, and top with feta cheese crumbles.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Include diced green chiles, cumin, and garnish with cilantro and jalapeño slices for heat.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free bread for croutons and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Soup Serving Ideas for Family Meals

• Rustic Bread Companion: Top steaming bowls with homemade crispy croutons for delightful crunch and texture.
• Creamy Swirl Technique: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in elegant circular pattern just before serving to enhance flavor profile.
• Herbal Green Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for bright color and refreshing herbaceous notes.
• Protein Power-Up: Add crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken strips for extra protein and delicious variation.

Best Ways to Store Lentil Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing with croutons to maintain their crispness.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add fresh croutons just before serving for maximum crunch.

FAQs

• Are lentils nutritious?

Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate. They’re low in calories and help stabilize blood sugar, making them an excellent healthy ingredient for soups and meals.

• Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, green or brown lentils work best for this soup as they hold their shape during cooking. Red lentils might break down more and create a different texture.

• Is this soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Just ensure your bread for croutons is also plant-based.

Lentil Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty lentil potato soup delights with Mediterranean-inspired comfort from France. Creamy ingredients blend seamlessly, offering nourishing warmth you’ll savor in each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups green or brown lentils
• 1 yellow potato, cubed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 4 cups water

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 4–6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• 1 celery rib, finely diced
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 fennel bulb, finely diced
• 3 thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• Peperoncino or red pepper flakes

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups bread cubes for croutons (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously rinse lentils under cool water, removing any stones or imperfections. Preheat oven to 375°F for crouton preparation.
2. In a large pot, warm olive oil and sauté chopped onions, celery, and garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth, allowing potatoes to partially cook and absorb initial flavors for 10 minutes.
4. Incorporate rinsed lentils, remaining broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Reduce heat and gently simmer for 40-45 minutes until lentils become tender and soup thickens.
5. While soup simmers, slice bread into small cubes. Toss with olive oil, dried herbs, and a pinch of salt. Spread on baking sheet and toast in preheated oven until golden and crisp, approximately 12-15 minutes.
6. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs from soup. Ladle into warm bowls, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and top with freshly made croutons before serving.

Notes

• Customize lentil size by choosing green, brown, or red varieties for different textures and cooking times.
• Enhance nutrition by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free bread for croutons or replacing bread with toasted nuts.
• Boost protein and make the soup more filling by stirring in cooked shredded chicken or plant-based protein alternatives before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg