Hearty Lentil & Potato Soup
A comforting and nutritious soup featuring protein-rich lentils and tender potatoes, simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs to create a deeply satisfying and wholesome meal.
For 6 servings
Prep Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic. Peel and dice the potato into 1/2-inch cubes. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
Add Garlic and Liquids: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils, diced potato, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season and Adjust: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier texture, carefully scoop out about 1-2 cups of the soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until smooth. Stir the blended portion back into the pot.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Lentil Choice: Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and are perfect for this soup. Red lentils break down quickly and will make the soup very thick and creamy, which can be a variation but not the primary goal here.
- 2Potato Doneness: Ensure potatoes are fully tender but not mushy. They should be easily pierced with a fork. Overcooking can make them disintegrate too much.
- 3Flavor Depth: For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the garlic in step 3 and cook it for a minute before adding the broth.
- 4Batch Cooking: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a larger batch and portion it into freezer-safe containers for quick, healthy meals later.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the dried thyme for a subtle heat.
Greens BoostGreens Boost
Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking until wilted.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the dried thyme for a delicious smoky depth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Nutrient-Dense
Packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and potassium from lentils and various vegetables, supporting overall bodily functions.
Low Glycemic Index
The combination of lentils and potatoes (especially when cooked and cooled, or in a balanced meal) contributes to a lower glycemic load, providing sustained energy and preventing blood sugar spikes.
Frequently asked questions
A: While you can, red lentils break down much faster and will result in a much creamier, thicker soup with less distinct lentil texture. For a hearty soup with whole lentils, green or brown are preferred.
