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Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Creamy Mediterranean lentil soup recipe in a rustic bowl with fresh parsley garnish.

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A wholesome and comforting one-pot soup inspired by sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts. Earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and fresh greens simmer together for a deeply flavorful, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped kale and cook for 5-10 more minutes until greens are wilted. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

The lemon juice is essential for balancing flavors. Soup tastes even better the next day and freezes well for up to 3 months. For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of the finished soup and stir it back in.

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