Easy Lentil Potato Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight.

• Hearty and Filling: The mix of lentils and potatoes creates a thick, satisfying soup that’s ideal for colder months.

• Healthy: Lentils are high in protein and fiber, while potatoes offer a good source of vitamins and minerals.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add extra vegetables depending on your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup diced onion

• 1 large carrot (3 – 4 oz), diced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce (optional)

• 1 1/4 cups lentils (green, red split, or black lentils)

• 12 oz potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp thyme

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 4-5 cups water

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add the minced garlic and diced carrots, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.

4. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce (if using), and lentils. Cook for 1 minute.

5. Add the diced potatoes and pour in 4 cups of water. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.

6. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 25-35 minutes until the lentils are cooked and the potatoes are tender.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, or celery for extra nutrition.

• Use Stock: Instead of water, you can use vegetable or chicken broth for more flavor.

• Spices: Adjust the seasoning with cumin, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. Add extra water or broth if the soup is too thick after storing or freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of lentils in this soup?

Yes, you can use green, black, or brown lentils. Red lentils tend to cook too quickly and can result in a mushy texture, so they are not recommended for this recipe.

2. Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No, there’s no need to soak the lentils. Just rinse them well under running water before adding them to the soup.

3. How can I make the soup thinner?

You can add up to 1 more cup of water if you prefer a thinner consistency. Alternatively, vegetable or chicken stock can be used for added flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can customize the soup by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or celery.

5. Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! You can add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give it a spicy kick.

6. What kind of potatoes work best for this soup?

Any type of potato works well, but waxy varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best and will give the soup a nice texture.

7. Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?

Canned lentils can be used, but be sure to drain and rinse them before adding. You won’t need to cook them as long as dry lentils.

8. How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken or sausage for additional protein, for extra flavor.

10. Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part or all of it with an immersion blender.

Conclusion

This Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a warm, nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and full of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty soup is sure to be a hit!