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Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe

4.9 from 105 reviews

A wholesome and hearty Mediterranean Lentil Soup packed with rich spices, fresh vegetables, and vibrant flavors. This nutritious soup features tender lentils simmered with aromatic herbs and finished with fresh greens and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect as a comforting meal any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Other Ingredients

  • Olive oil (for sautéing and optional drizzle)
  • 1 ½ cups brown or green lentils (rinsed)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
  2. Simmer Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
  3. Add Greens & Lemon: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the juice of one lemon to brighten the flavors, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your nourishing Mediterranean Lentil Soup.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium broth.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, partially blend some of the lentils before adding the greens.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and also freeze nicely.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.

Keywords: Mediterranean lentil soup, vegetarian soup, healthy lentil recipe, gluten free soup, easy lentil stew, vegetable soup