Name: Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes; 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale); 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons); 2 cups dry green or brown lentils; 7 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Nothing comforts quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s packed with cozy spices, fresh veggies, and wholesome lentils that fill you up and lift your spirits on any day.

A white bowl filled with thick lentil soup showing many round, light brown lentils mixed with small diced pieces of orange carrots, red tomatoes, translucent cooked onions, and green leafy herbs sprinkled on top. A shiny silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small green herb pieces scattered around. Part of another white bowl with the same soup is visible in the top right corner, and a few lemon slices are placed in the top left area of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this lentil soup countless times, and what keeps me coming back isn’t just how filling it is—it’s the rich, layered flavors the spices add. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a bowl of comfort and nourishment with minimal fuss.

Simple Ingredients: Uses affordable, everyday items you likely already have on hand.
Bold Flavors: The cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika bring a warm, fragrant depth to the soup.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, making prep and cleanup a breeze.
Flexible and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.

A close-up image of a large spoon filled with thick lentil stew, showing two layers: the stew itself with small, round lentils in a light brown sauce mixed with finely chopped orange carrots and bits of reddish tomato, and a top layer of bright green chopped herbs scattered on the lentils. The background shows more of the same stew with green herbs floating on top, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe lies in its balance—the crunch and sweetness of fresh veggies, the earthiness of lentils, and the warm spices that tie it all together. Here are some insights to help you pick the best ingredients.

Flat lay of fresh chopped medium onion, three peeled garlic cloves, two peeled and chopped medium carrots, two chopped celery ribs, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed ripe red tomatoes, a small white bowl filled with dry green lentils, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of brown vegetable broth, small white bowls containing ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika powders, fresh vibrant baby spinach leaves sliced into ribbons arranged on a white ceramic plate, a whole bright yellow lemon, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
Onion: A foundation for flavor—choose a sweet or yellow onion for the best balance.
Garlic: Gives a punch of savory depth; fresh minced works best here.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness that complements the lentils and spices.
Celery: Adds a subtle, fresh note that balances the richness of the soup.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and a slightly tangy base, brightening the soup.
Dry green or brown lentils: These varieties hold their shape nicely and soak up spices beautifully.
Vegetable broth: Use a good-quality broth for richer soup; homemade or low-sodium varieties are ideal.
Ground cumin: Packed with warm, earthy flavors that bring depth and aroma.
Ground coriander: Offers a hint of citrusy brightness that balances the earthiness.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky layer that transforms a simple soup into something special.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—season gradually and adjust at the end.
Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and tender greens to finish the soup with freshness.
Lemon juice: The final touch for brightness and to lift the soup’s flavors beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking my Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what season it is. The beauty is you can easily customize it to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for kale, which adds a heartier texture and even more nutrients—great if you like a bit more chew in your greens.
Spice Level: Adding a pinch of cayenne or using a spicier smoked paprika gives it a nice kick if you prefer some heat.
Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked sausage or shredded chicken for a non-vegetarian option that still keeps the cozy vibe.
Chunkier or Creamy: Blend half the soup for creaminess but leave some lentils whole—that’s my go-to combo for texture balance.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the carrots start softening. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor base, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Lentils, Broth, and Spices

Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices, then add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so the spices get evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins—those spices will infuse the soup as it simmers.

Step 3: Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. You’ll want the lentils to be tender and the soup to thicken nicely. Keep an eye on it, and if it looks too thick, add a splash more broth or water. Taste occasionally to adjust seasoning too.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

For a creamier texture, I like to use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times right in the pot. Don’t overblend—it’s nice to keep some lentils whole for texture. If you don’t have one, blend 1-2 cups in a traditional blender and stir it back in.

Step 5: Stir in Greens and Lemon Juice

Finally, toss in the baby spinach ribbons and lemon juice. The spinach will wilt in just a minute or two, adding a fresh burst of color and flavor. Give your soup a final taste and season with salt to your liking.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, a few key tips made the biggest difference in achieving that perfect Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe experience. These little pointers will save you time and make the soup taste like it was crafted by a pro.

Rinse Lentils Well: I always rinse lentils before cooking to remove dust and excess starch, which keeps the broth clear and clean-tasting.
Don’t Skip Browning the Veggies: Taking the time to gently sauté the onion and carrots brings out their sweetness and layers of flavor you won’t get otherwise.
Adjust Liquid Levels: Lentils absorb a lot of broth, so keep some extra stock nearby to thin the soup to your preferred consistency.
Add Lemon Last: Lemon juice brightens and balances the dish but can taste bitter if cooked too long—always stir it in right before serving.

How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this soup, a little goes a long way with garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I drizzle a touch of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt to make it more indulgent.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping—think a warm baguette or some garlic naan. When I want something lighter, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette contrasts the soup’s warmth perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting friends, I like to serve this soup in rustic bowls with a side of toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top for crunch. A little swirl of pesto or chili oil can also take the presentation up a notch without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Lentil soup tends to thicken as it cools, so I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The lentils hold up without getting mushy, making it great for batch cooking.

Reheating

I recommend reheating over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld back together and prevents scorching at the bottom. If it thickened too much, add a bit of water or broth and stir it in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils tend to break down quickly and will give you a creamier, less textured soup. If you want a chunkier soup with lentils holding their shape, stick to green or brown ones.

How can I make this soup vegan or gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Just double-check the label to avoid any hidden gluten.

Why does the soup thicken as it sits?

Lentils absorb the liquid as they cool, which causes the soup to thicken. Simply stir in more broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can brown the veggies on the stove first then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils are tender. Just add the spinach and lemon juice at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s easy, nourishing, and feels like a warm hug with every spoonful. I hope you’ll give it a try and find it becomes one of your go-to soup recipes, especially when you want something wholesome and flavorful without the fuss.