Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Steaming bowls of hearty lentil and potato soup can warm even the coldest winter afternoon.

Rich legumes create a comforting base that feels like a culinary hug.

Chunky potatoes swim alongside tender lentils in this deeply satisfying meal.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this simple yet remarkable dish that packs serious nutrition.

Aromatic herbs and spices dance through each spoonful, creating layers of complex flavor.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this soup perfect for busy weeknights.

You’ll feel nourished and content after one hearty serving of this soul-warming recipe.

Why Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup Is Perfect for Cold Nights

• Craft a filling meal using affordable ingredients like lentils and potatoes, stretching your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
• Pack your bowl with protein-rich lentils, fiber-loaded vegetables, and essential nutrients that support overall health and keep you energized throughout the day.
• Customize the soup by adding your favorite herbs, swapping vegetables, or including additional protein like diced chicken for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Nutritious Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:

Lentils: Hearty protein source with a nutty flavor, green or brown varieties work best, choose whole and undamaged.

Potatoes: Creamy base for the soup, adds thickness and comforting texture, russet or yellow potatoes recommended.

Vegetable Broth: Foundation of soup’s liquid base, provides depth of flavor, low-sodium options preferred.

Aromatics and Vegetables:

Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup flavor base, creates depth and traditional mirepoix profile, fresh and crisp produce essential.

Garlic: Aromatic that enhances overall flavor, adds warmth and complexity to the soup.

Herbs and Seasonings:

Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements lentils, provides subtle woodsy undertone.

Dried Oregano: Adds Mediterranean flavor profile, works well with hearty ingredients.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance other ingredients, adjust to personal taste.

Finishing Touch:

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, provides subtle fruity undertone.

Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and light herbal note.

How to Make Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup with Love

Step 1: Clean and Chop Ingredients

• Rinse lentils under cool running water
• Peel and dice potatoes into small cubes
• Chop onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces
• Mince fresh garlic cloves

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté ingredients until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Merge Potatoes and Lentils

Add diced potatoes and rinsed lentils into the pot. Stir and let ingredients mingle together, allowing flavors to develop for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly. Increase heat to create a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Develop Deep Flavors

Allow soup to bubble softly for 25-30 minutes. Potatoes and lentils should become tender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Prepare and Present

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or light green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Depth of Flavor in Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

• Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Clean lentils carefully to remove any small stones or debris that could affect the soup's texture and taste.
• Customize Veggie Choices: Swap carrots or celery with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to keep the soup interesting and use what's available.
• Control Soup Consistency: Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup, or let it simmer longer to create a thicker, more stew-like texture.
• Boost Protein Power: Stir in cooked quinoa or shredded chicken for added protein, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast dried herbs in the pot before adding liquid to intensify their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.

Storing and Reheating Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup the Right Way

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste preservation.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore original consistency.
• Heat soup in microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Pairing Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup with Other Comforts

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Côtes du Rhône or Grenache to complement the earthy lentil flavors and provide warm, rich undertones.
• Select a hearty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the soup's broth, adding delightful texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Crumble fresh goat cheese on top of the soup to introduce a creamy, slightly acidic element that cuts through the soup's robust profile and adds complexity.
• Prepare a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm soup.

Creative Twists on Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup

Vegan Protein Power: Replace the vegetable broth with low-sodium vegetable stock and add extra protein sources like cubed tofu or tempeh for a nutrient-dense meal.

Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap dried herbs with fresh rosemary and basil, and add a splash of lemon juice to create a brighter, more zesty Mediterranean-style soup.

Spicy Southwestern Spin: Incorporate diced green chilies, ground cumin, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to transform the soup into a warm, spicy southwestern-inspired dish. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of vegan sour cream.

Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and consider adding quinoa instead of traditional lentils for those with specific dietary restrictions. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Hearty Lentil And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warming Mediterranean “Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup” delivers comfort in each spoonful, drawing inspiration from rustic Italian countryside cooking. Mediterranean herbs and slow-simmered ingredients create a nourishing bowl perfect for chilly evenings when you crave soul-satisfying sustenance.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cleanse lentils thoroughly under running water, ensuring all debris is removed. Prepare a mise en place by dicing potatoes, finely chopping onions, carrots, and celery, and mincing garlic cloves into uniform pieces.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce chopped aromatics (onions, carrots, celery, and garlic) and gently sauté until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Incorporate diced potatoes and rinsed lentils into the vegetable mixture. Allow ingredients to intermingle, developing a rich flavor base through gentle cooking.
4. Stream vegetable broth into the pot, then sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly blend ingredients, creating a harmonious liquid foundation. Escalate heat to achieve a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Allow soup to quietly bubble, transforming lentils and potatoes into tender morsels. This process typically requires 25-30 minutes of patient cooking. Periodically taste and calibrate seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
6. When vegetables reach perfect tenderness, carefully ladle the hearty soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Complement the meal with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Rinse lentils thoroughly to prevent gritty texture and remove any small stones or debris that might affect the soup’s smoothness.
• Select firm potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes which hold their shape better during long cooking and provide a creamy, satisfying consistency.
• Consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of red wine vinegar at the end to deepen the flavor profile and bring brightness to the hearty soup.
• Adapt for dietary needs by using low-sodium vegetable broth for salt-sensitive diets or replacing herbs with gluten-free alternatives if required.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg