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; 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; 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale); 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)

There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of rich, flavorful soup simmering on the stove, and this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe fits that perfectly. It's packed with spices and wholesome ingredients that make it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

A white bowl filled with thick lentil soup that has a warm brown color with visible small round lentils, diced orange carrots, chopped green leafy herbs, and pieces of tomato. The soup has a slightly chunky texture and is garnished with fresh chopped green herbs scattered on top. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a lemon sliced in half visible in the background on the left, and part of another bowl at the top right corner. Small bits of herbs are sprinkled around the bowl. 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 love this recipe because it hits every mark: hearty, spicy, nourishing, and surprisingly simple. It’s a one-pot wonder that gently layers flavors to create something much greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you're new to cooking lentils or a seasoned soup lover, this recipe makes it easy to succeed and enjoy a cozy meal.

Rich flavor combination: The mix of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika adds depth without overwhelming the natural earthiness of lentils.
Simple, accessible ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry or can grab them easily—no fancy shopping needed.
Flexible and forgiving: The recipe gives you room to tweak the veggies or spices, so it suits your taste perfectly every time.
Nutritious and filling: Packed with fiber and protein, it’s as satisfying for your body as it is for your taste buds.

A close-up view of a spoon full of thick lentil soup held over a pot. The soup has small, round lentils in a light brown broth mixed with finely chopped orange carrots, translucent onions, and bits of red tomato. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The background shows more of the soup with similar textures and scattered herbs, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe plays a part in creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Plus, they’re all straightforward and easy to handle - perfect if you want something that’s both nourishing and no-fuss.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, one medium yellow onion whole and peeled, three uncracked brown garlic cloves, two medium orange carrots with green tops trimmed, two pale green celery ribs, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl holding raw green lentils, a small white bowl with light brown vegetable broth, a small white bowl with a fine mound of warm brown smoked paprika powder, another small white bowl with light beige ground cumin, a small white bowl with pale beige ground coriander, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl filled with fresh dark green baby spinach leaves sliced into ribbons, and one whole bright yellow lemon placed halved to show juicy pulp beside the whole lemon, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportions, 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: The base for sautéing your aromatics, it imparts subtle richness and helps unlock flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, forming the fundamental aromatic layer.
Garlic: A classic flavor booster that wakes up the senses.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the spices and adds texture.
Celery: Provides a slight crunch and subtle savory notes.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: They bring acidity and brightness, keeping the soup from feeling heavy.
Green or brown lentils: The star ingredient—hearty, protein-rich, and perfect for soaking up spices.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that builds the soup’s body.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a bit of earthiness.
Ground coriander: Light and citrusy, brightens the overall flavor.
Smoked paprika: Delivers a smoky undertone that makes the soup distinctively savory.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—you’ll adjust this to taste near the end.
Baby spinach: Fresh, tender greens that wilt easily and add vibrant color.
Lemon juice: A splash of acidity that lifts and balances the heartiness.

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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

One of the best things about this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe is how well it adapts. I often tweak the veggies based on what’s in season or swap the greens to kale or chard. Don’t hesitate to make this your own—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: For a spicier kick, I add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped fresh chili—it brightens up the earthy lentils beautifully.
Protein boost: Toss in diced tofu or cooked sausage if you want to make it even heartier.
Seasonal swaps: Roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes make great additions during fall and winter.
Make it creamy: Instead of blending, stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream before serving for a smooth finish.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Stir frequently and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes—you want the veggies to soften but not brown. This gentle sauté unlocks their natural sweetness and is key to building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Lentils & Spices

Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes along with the lentils. Pour the vegetable broth on top, then sprinkle in ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so the spices evenly coat the lentils and veggies. This step sets the vibrant flavor profile of the soup — the spices will really soak into the lentils as they cook.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Keep the pot covered partially—this helps the lentils tenderize without drying out the soup. You’re aiming for lentils that are soft but not mushy, and a broth that’s thickened up nicely. If you like a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend chunks right in the pot, or carefully blend a portion in a regular blender and stir it back in.

Step 4: Finish with Greens & Lemon

Finally, stir in the baby spinach ribbons and lemon juice. The greens wilt almost instantly, adding a fresh pop of color and nutrients. Adjust the salt to taste — that bright lemon juice really brings everything together, balancing the earthiness of the lentils and spices.

Top Tip

After making this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe countless times, I've learned a few little tricks that help every batch come out amazing. These tips will save you some common headaches and ensure you get perfect soup every time.

Even Lentil Cooking: Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove dust and prevent cloudiness, which helps the broth stay clear and appealing.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir the soup occasionally during simmering to keep lentils from sticking or settling unevenly.
Adjust Acidity Last: Add lemon juice at the end to make sure it brightens the flavors without overpowering them.
Blending for Texture: If you prefer creamier soup, blend just a portion, not all, to keep satisfying texture without losing heartiness.

How to Serve Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple but with a bit of flair when serving. A drizzle of good olive oil on top, fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and sometimes a sprinkle of crumbled feta add freshness and contrast. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream is also a lovely touch if you want some creaminess in each spoonful.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this lentil soup with crusty bread or warm pita on the side—perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement its warm spices beautifully without competing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, which feels festive and rustic. Garnishing with a swirl of tahini or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds an unexpected touch that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Lentil soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickened too much in the fridge, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up without diluting the flavor. Microwave works too—just cover and warm in short bursts, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown in this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe?

Red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down more completely, resulting in a very creamy, almost mushy soup texture. If you prefer that, go ahead and swap them in, but reduce cooking time to about 15-20 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?

No soaking is required for green or brown lentils. Just give them a good rinse before using. This makes the prep quicker without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Can I make this Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use vegetable broth that doesn’t contain gluten. It’s a fantastic plant-based meal option.

How can I make the soup thicker or creamier?

To thicken the soup, blend a portion of it as described in the recipe, or mash some lentils with a spoon while cooking. Adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt just before serving also gives a lovely creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe has become one of my go-to meals — it’s not just tasty, it feels nourishing on a level few dishes do. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved recipe in your kitchen too. Perfect for those days when you need something grounding, flavorful, and made with simple, honest ingredients.