If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that comes together without any fuss, this Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful combination of tender lentils and creamy potatoes, seasoned just right with aromatic herbs and a touch of tomato that adds depth to every spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just craving something filling and wholesome on a chilly day, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl, making it a staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a key role in the overall flavor and texture. From the subtle sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of lentils and the creaminess potatoes bring, it all comes together beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and helps build flavor early on.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Diced onion: Softens and sweetens, forming the soup’s aromatic foundation.
- Large carrot, diced: Brings a subtle natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces: Give the soup creamy texture and satisfying heartiness.
- Tomato paste: Introduces rich umami and a slight tang to deepen the flavor.
- Tomato sauce (optional): Adds a smooth, slightly acidic note without overpowering the dish.
- Lentils: The star protein and fiber source, earthy and tender once cooked.
- Salt: Essential to lift all the flavors and bring balance.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice for warmth.
- Thyme: Offers a subtle herbaceous touch that pairs well with lentils.
- Oregano: Adds a bit of Mediterranean flair and complexity.
- Water: Keeps the soup light and broth-like, helping ingredients to meld perfectly.
How to Make Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and sauté gently for about a minute until they begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and diced carrot. Keep stirring for 2-3 minutes so those wonderful aromas can develop without the garlic getting harsh or burnt. This simple step juices up your soup with a deep flavor foundation that will carry through the entire cooking process.
Step 2: Toast the Tomato and Lentils
Next, stir in the tomato paste and optional tomato sauce along with the lentils. Giving the tomato paste time to cook down just a bit with your veggies makes sure it imparts that rich, concentrated flavor. The lentils get a quick toast too, which enhances their nuttiness and helps them keep their shape better as they cook later on.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the potatoes and pour in 4 cups of water. Don’t forget to reserve the extra cup, as you might want to adjust the soup’s thickness as it cooks. Next, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Stir everything together so these flavors mingle evenly and your potatoes and lentils start soaking up every bit of goodness.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot and crank the heat up until the soup reaches a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 25-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are tender and the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking, and if you desire a thinner soup, gradually add that reserved water until it’s just right.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Before serving, give your soup a careful taste test. A pinch of extra salt or a few turns of black pepper can make a big difference in flavor. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, ladle it into bowls and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and nourishment.
How to Serve Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives add a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the earthy lentils beautifully. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can also add a creamy tang that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the richly flavored broth, while a crisp salad offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s soft textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant look, serve the soup in rustic bowls and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. You can also sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted nuts for an extra layer of texture and a delightful crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or to enjoy as a comforting lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup with ease. Just let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for those times when you want a homemade meal but don’t have much time.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat it evenly. If it has thickened too much, simply add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency without losing any flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lentils in this Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Green lentils work well and hold their shape nicely, but you can also use red split lentils or black lentils depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly between types.
Is this soup vegan and vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe is naturally vegan and vegetarian, making it a fantastic option for those dietary preferences. Just make sure to use vegetable oil and water as the base.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Of course! Feel free to include veggies like celery, spinach, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and add more flavors. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
How thick or thin should the soup be?
The consistency is really up to you. If you prefer a chunkier, stew-like texture, keep less water. For a thinner, broth-like soup, add more water during cooking or when reheating.
What is the best way to serve leftover soup?
Leftover Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe tastes great reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. Pair it with fresh bread or a light salad to make a quick and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, it’s nourishing, cozy, and effortless to prepare. Once you make it, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite during those days when you want something wholesome and heartwarming. Happy cooking!
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Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a nutritious meal. Combining tender lentils, soft potatoes, and flavorful vegetables simmered in a savory tomato base, this soup is both filling and delicious. It’s a simple recipe that delivers wholesome ingredients and rich taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 large carrot (3–4 oz), diced
- 12 oz potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups lentils (green, red split, black, or mix; green only works well too)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 4–5 cups water
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the vegetables start to soften, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add tomato paste and lentils: Stir in the tomato paste, optional tomato sauce, and lentils. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the tomato paste to blend with the vegetables and the lentils to become slightly toasted.
- Add potatoes and seasonings: Add the diced potatoes and pour in 4 cups of water (reserve the extra cup for adjusting consistency later). Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use any type of lentils you prefer, but green lentils work particularly well in this recipe.
- Adjust water quantity based on your preferred soup thickness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro make great garnishes for added flavor and color.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
