Name: Best Lentil Soup Recipe 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 truly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of lentil soup, and this Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe delivers exactly that—bursting with vibrant flavors and cozy spices that wrap you up like your favorite blanket. It’s not just a meal; it’s a soul-soother that’s easy to make and perfect any day of the week.

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 Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment you start cooking this recipe, you’ll notice how the fragrant spices and fresh veggies create something truly special. I’ve made this soup countless times and can honestly say it feels like a warm hug in every spoonful.

Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of obscure spices to make this taste incredible.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—a win-win for busy nights.
Customizable to Your Taste: Easy to tweak with what you have on hand or how much spice you prefer.
Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, it’s both filling and good for you.

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

Every ingredient in this Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe plays a part in building layers of flavor and texture. The earthy lentils pair beautifully with the smoky paprika and warming cumin, while bright lemon juice adds a fresh contrast that wakes up the entire dish.

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: A good-quality olive oil adds richness and helps soften the veggies without overpowering the spices.
Onion: The base of any great soup—offers sweetness and depth when sautéed just right.
Garlic: Adds a punch of aroma and savory flavor that melds perfectly with the spices.
Carrots: Natural sweetness and a bit of texture; they balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
Celery: Brings a subtle peppery note and crunch that complements the softness of the lentils.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: Adds body and a touch of acidity, boosting the overall complexity.
Dry green or brown lentils: The star ingredient—nutritious, hearty, and they hold their shape beautifully.
Vegetable broth: Builds the soup’s base with savory flavor, much better than water for richness.
Ground cumin: Earthy warmth that’s essential for that cozy, spiced undertone.
Ground coriander: Light and citrusy, it brightens the soup without stealing the show.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that makes this soup unforgettable.
Salt: Enhances every flavor—season carefully and taste as you go.
Baby spinach (or kale): A fresh, leafy finish that adds color and nutrients.
Lemon juice: The secret finishing touch that lifts and brightens the final taste.

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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 experimenting with this recipe depending on the season and what I have in my pantry. Lentil soup is so forgiving, so feel free to make it your own. I often swap spinach for kale in winter or add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat when I want some extra warmth.

Variation: I once added diced sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness—it was a hit with the whole family and added even more body to the soup.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked sausage or shredded chicken if you want a meatier option without losing the cozy vibe.
Make it Creamier: Blend a portion to get a silky texture that kids especially love.
Spice it Up: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to elevate the smoky taste with some heat.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies to Build Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add chopped onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Keep stirring for around 4-5 minutes until the veggies soften and you start to smell that amazing aroma. Make sure the garlic doesn’t brown too much—it can turn bitter, so keep the heat moderate and stir often.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Lentils, Broth & Spices

Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so those spices wake up and mingle with the fresh veggies. This step is where the magic really starts to happen, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender

Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and your kitchen smells incredible. If you want a creamier soup, I like to use an immersion blender and blend a few times right in the pot. No immersion blender? No problem—blend a couple of cups in a regular blender and then return it to the pot.

Step 4: Stir in Greens and Finish with Lemon

Just before serving, fold in the baby spinach ribbons and fresh lemon juice. It only takes a minute for the spinach to wilt into the soup, adding color and extra nutrients. Taste and add salt last—it’s best to adjust seasoning with everything combined.

Top Tip

After making this Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the outcome and save you time.

Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Even though lentils are quick-cooking, rinsing helps remove any tiny stones or dirt and keeps the broth clearer.
Don’t Skip the Spices: Toasting the spices briefly in the oil before adding liquids can deepen their flavor, but be careful not to burn them.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the soup in a way bottled lemon can’t—fresh is key for that vibrant finish.
Blend for Texture: Blending part of the soup gives a luscious texture, but leaving some lentils whole adds satisfying bite and body.

How to Serve Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this soup with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut cream for extra creaminess and tang. Fresh parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of good olive oil rounds it out beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm pita for dunking. I also love serving it alongside a bright salad with crisp veggies or a simple cucumber raita for a cool, refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this soup in rustic bread bowls, which makes it feel festive and fun. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts gives a satisfying crunch, perfect when guests are over and you want to impress with minimal effort!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the soup quickly and store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for about 4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a charm. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning. Sometimes I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s thickened too much. Adding another squeeze of lemon right before serving really brightens it back up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown in this recipe?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, so if you substitute them, reduce the cooking time to prevent the soup from becoming too mushy. The flavor will still be delicious but the texture will differ.

How spicy is the Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe?

This recipe is gently spiced with warming but mild spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. It’s not hot or fiery, so it’s approachable for most palates. You can always add chili flakes or cayenne if you want more heat.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender. Add spinach and lemon juice at the end.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too watery?

If your soup seems too thin, blending part of it until smooth helps thicken the texture naturally. You can also simmer it a bit longer uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate. Adding a spoonful of tomato paste while cooking can boost thickness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Best Lentil Soup Recipe with Spices Recipe is one of those seldom-found gems—simple enough for a busy night but special enough to feel like a treat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, whether you’re meal-prepping or just need a bowl of comfort. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, trust me on that!