Lemony Lentil & Dill Soup
A wonderfully comforting and hearty soup, this Lemony Lentil & Dill Soup is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and easy on digestion. The bright, zesty lemon and fresh dill perfectly complement the earthy lentils, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
For 6 servings
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the pot. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and have started to break down.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend about one-third to one-half of the soup directly in the pot until creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. This step creates a thicker, creamier texture while still leaving some whole lentils.
Stir in half of the chopped fresh dill (about 1/2 cup) and 3 tablespoons of the fresh lemon juice. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for more tanginess. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of hot water or vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with the remaining fresh dill and, if desired, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing lentils thoroughly before cooking helps remove any dust or debris and can improve digestibility.
- 2For a smoother soup, you can blend the entire batch with an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender. For a chunkier soup, skip the blending step entirely.
- 3Always add fresh herbs like dill and citrus juice towards the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma, which can diminish with prolonged heat.
- 4Don't be afraid to adjust the lemon and salt. These are crucial for balancing the earthy flavors of the lentils. Taste and add more until it sings!
Adapt it for your goals.
Greens Boost
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrients and color.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and cumin for a subtle warmth, or a diced jalapeño for more heat.
Heartier MealHeartier Meal
Serve over a small scoop of cooked brown rice or quinoa, or stir in some small pasta like ditalini during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a more substantial dish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
This soup provides a significant amount of plant-based protein from lentils, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions.
Vitamin & Antioxidant Boost
Packed with vitamins from carrots, celery, and lemon, and antioxidants from dill, this soup supports immune function and fights oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
While red lentils are recommended for their quick cooking time and tendency to break down, you can use green or brown lentils. However, they will require a longer cooking time (around 30-40 minutes) and will retain more of their shape, resulting in a less creamy soup.
