My Favorite Lentil Soup
A hearty, flavorful lentil soup with tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of white wine, perfect for cozy dinners and healthy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 large or 3 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 carrots, coarsely grated ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. marjoram, crumbled ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. thyme leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with their juice, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 7 c. broth (beef, chicken or vegetable) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. dried lentils, rinsed and picked over ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley or 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes ⓘ
- 4 oz. Cheddar, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onions, carrots, marjoram, and thyme, stirring the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes with their juice, broth, and rinsed lentils to the saucepan.
- Bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer the soup for about 1 hour or until the lentils are tender.
- Add the salt, black pepper, white wine, and parsley to the soup and simmer for a few more minutes.
- Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or other vegetables like bell peppers. If you prefer a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute lentils with split peas, though cooking times may vary. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor, so feel free to add basil or cilantro as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lentil soup with a side of crusty Rosemary Bread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and brightness. For a complete dinner, pair it with a light salad, such as Fresh Mushroom Salad, and a glass of white wine to complement the flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to maintain the desired consistency as lentils absorb liquid when stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Lentil Soup contains roughly 1030 calories, with 47g protein, 214g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (543% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (322% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1668mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the broth with vegetable broth and omit the cheese at the end. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful without the added dairy, making it a great option for plant-based diets.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the lentils with a fork or an immersion blender. For a thinner consistency, add additional broth or water while simmering until you reach your desired texture.
Can I freeze this lentil soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).