Classic Lentil and Herb Soup

Featured in: One-Pot Cozy Meals

This hearty lentil and herb soup brings together tender lentils simmered with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs. The olive oil sautée infuses sweetness in onions, carrots, and celery, while garlic and cumin add depth. Finished with parsley, dill, and lemon juice, this soup blends earthy and bright flavors beautifully. It's easily adapted with greens or smoky notes and can be served chunky or blended. Ideal for cozy, nourishing meals that suit vegetarian and vegan diets.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:18:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of classic lentil and herb soup, a comforting vegetarian meal with fresh herbs. Save
Steaming bowl of classic lentil and herb soup, a comforting vegetarian meal with fresh herbs. | olivebriar.com

A hearty, aromatic soup packed with nutritious lentils, fresh herbs, and vegetables perfect for cozy meals on a budget.

This lentil and herb soup has been a favorite in my family through all seasons and is especially comforting on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

  • Legumes: 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried brown or green lentils rinsed
  • Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion diced, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth
  • Herbs & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), salt and black pepper to taste, ½ cup (15 g) fresh parsley chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill (optional), juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
Step 4:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
Step 5:
Remove bay leaf. Stir in parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6:
For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, or leave it chunky as desired.
Step 7:
Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Vibrant image shows a rich, flavorful classic lentil and herb soup, perfect for a cozy dinner. Pin it
Vibrant image shows a rich, flavorful classic lentil and herb soup, perfect for a cozy dinner. | olivebriar.com

This soup always brings my family together especially when served with fresh bread on weekends.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, cutting board and knife, wooden spoon, ladle, immersion blender (optional)

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens. Gluten-free if using gluten-free vegetable broth. Always check broth and canned tomato labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 11 g (per serving)

Hearty and delicious, this classic lentil and herb soup features a medley of vegetables easily enjoyed. Pin it
Hearty and delicious, this classic lentil and herb soup features a medley of vegetables easily enjoyed. | olivebriar.com

This lentil soup is an easy, nutritious meal that you can customize with your favorite greens and spices.

Classic Lentil and Herb Soup

Nutritious lentils with fresh herbs and vegetables combine for a warm, flavorful meal great for any occasion.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: One-Pot Cozy Meals

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Legumes

01 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large onion, diced
03 2 carrots, diced
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
07 6 cups vegetable broth (ensure gluten-free if required)

Herbs & Seasoning

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon dried thyme
03 1 bay leaf
04 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
06 ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 2 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried dill (optional)
08 Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, dried thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Lentils and Liquids: Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to integrate all ingredients.

Step 04

Simmer Soup: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.

Step 05

Finish with Herbs and Lemon: Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley, dill (if using), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 06

Optional Puree: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a creamier texture, or leave it chunky per preference.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify vegetable broth and canned tomatoes for hidden allergens.
  • Gluten-free if gluten-free broth is used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 11 g