A warm and nourishing one-pot lentil soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and protein-rich legumes—perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft (7–10 minutes).
Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and thyme; cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 30–35 minutes.
For a creamier texture, purée a portion of the soup with an immersion blender.
Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.