Warm, filling, and budget-friendly, this comforting soup is packed with fiber-rich lentils, tender potatoes, and cozy spices. Perfect for meal prep and cold days.
⏱️ Quick Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Servings: 6
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Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
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1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp turmeric (optional but healthy)
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1 bay leaf
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1–2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (to finish)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat:
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Heat olive oil.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery.
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Cook 5 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Build the Soup
Add:
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lentils
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potatoes
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cumin
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paprika
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turmeric
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bay leaf
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broth
Stir well.
3️⃣ Simmer
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
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Cover and simmer 25–30 minutes
until lentils and potatoes are tender.
4️⃣ Finish
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Remove bay leaf.
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Lightly mash some potatoes/lentils for a thicker texture (optional).
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Stir in lemon juice.
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Season with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Serve
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs.
⭐ Pro Tips
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Red lentils cook faster but give a softer texture.
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For thicker soup, mash or blend 1–2 cups and return to pot.
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Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
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Soup thickens as it sits — add broth when reheating.
🔄 Easy Variations
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Extra protein: add diced chicken or turkey
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Vegan: use vegetable broth (already vegan)
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Spicy: add harissa or cayenne
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Creamy: stir in a spoon of Greek yogurt when serving
🥗 What to Serve With
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Crusty whole-grain bread
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Side salad
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Yogurt drizzle
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Pickled onions
🔢 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~220
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Protein: ~11–13g
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Fiber: ~8–10g
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Fat: ~3–4g
WW Points: ~2–4 per serving
❓ FAQs
Do I need to soak lentils?
No — lentils cook quickly without soaking.
How long does it keep?
Fridge: up to 5 days
Freezer: up to 3 months
Is this anti-inflammatory?
Yes — especially with olive oil, turmeric, garlic, and vegetables.