Cozy Lentil Soup Recipe: Homemade Comfort in Every Spoonful

Crafting a hearty lentil soup transports you to comfort’s warm embrace on chilly afternoons.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this humble dish through generations of culinary wisdom.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating layers of rich, satisfying flavor.

Nutritious legumes simmer gently with aromatic herbs and vegetables, releasing enticing fragrances throughout your kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this soul-nourishing classic.

Each spoonful carries memories of traditional cooking passed down through family traditions.

Curl up with a steaming bowl and let this comforting soup tell its delicious story.

FAQs About Mary Berry Lentil Soup

• Are lentils healthy?

Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They support heart health, aid digestion, and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, you can substitute green, red, or brown lentils. Each variety has a slightly different cooking time and texture, but they’ll work well in this soup.

• Is this soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! This lentil soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan when using vegetable stock. It’s a nutritious plant-based meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale, include a grain like quinoa, or top with croutons to increase the soup’s protein and fiber content.

Why Mary Berry Lentil Soup Feels So Comforting

• Boost Nutrition Easily: Pack your meal with protein-rich lentils, loaded with fiber and essential nutrients that support overall health and keep you feeling satisfied.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Create a hearty soup with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adjust spices and garnishes to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe versatile for different palates and dietary needs.
• Warm Family Gathering Dish: Serve this comforting soup that brings everyone together, ideal for casual dinners or cozy weekend meals that spark conversation and connection.

Mary Berry Lentil Soup Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lentils: A hearty legume that provides protein and texture to the soup.
• Vegetable Stock: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Tomatoes: Adds richness and a slight tangy flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrot, Celery: Contribute additional depth and nutritional value to the dish.

• Bay Leaves: Infuse the soup with a subtle herbal essence.
• Spices: Enhance the overall taste and complexity of the soup.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brighten the soup with a fresh, citrusy note.
• Salt, Pepper: Balance and intensify the soup's flavors.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth base to the cooking process.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and additional flavor to the finished dish.
• Bread: Serves as a complementary side to the soup.

How To Make Mary Berry Lentil Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab your favorite large pot and drizzle a generous splash of olive oil across the bottom. Set the heat to medium, allowing the oil to shimmer and get ready for action.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Foundations

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften. Stir them gently, allowing their flavors to bloom and fill your kitchen with delightful aromas.

Step 3: Introduce Veggie Companions

Add diced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Let these vegetables mingle and soften, creating a flavorful base that will elevate your soup’s complexity.

Step 4: Build Soup’s Flavor Profile

• Dried lentils
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable or chicken stock
• Warming spices
• Bay leaves

Stir everything together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 5: Simmer and Transform

Let the soup gently bubble, stirring occasionally. Watch as the lentils become tender and the flavors meld together into a comforting masterpiece.

Step 6: Create Creamy Texture

Remove bay leaves, then use an immersion blender or regular blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 7: Brighten with Citrus

Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest and squeeze bright lemon juice, adding a zingy, fresh dimension to the soup.

Step 8: Season and Perfect

Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread for a complete, heartwarming meal.

Tips That Help With Mary Berry Lentil Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices in oil before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities and release deeper, richer flavors.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid amount by adding extra stock if soup becomes too thick during cooking, ensuring perfect texture every time.
• Maximize Nutrition Retention: Keep vegetables slightly crisp when cooking to preserve more nutrients and add pleasant texture contrast to soft lentils.
• Quick Veggie Prep Hack: Dice onions, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent taste throughout the soup.
• Elevate Serving Style: Add fresh lemon zest and juice at the end to brighten the soup's flavor profile and introduce a subtle citrusy freshness.

Ways To Switch Up Mary Berry Lentil Soup

• Spicy Moroccan Lentil Soup: Replace regular spices with ras el hanout, add harissa paste for heat, and garnish with cilantro for an authentic North African flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap stock with vegetable broth, add quinoa or diced tofu for extra protein, and include nutritional yeast for a rich, savory undertone.
• Mediterranean Green Lentil Variation: Use green lentils instead of brown, add spinach or kale during final cooking, incorporate feta cheese crumbles, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Transfer all ingredients to pressure cooker, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, use natural release method, and reduce liquid slightly for faster preparation.

Best Matches For Mary Berry Lentil Soup

• Elevate Comfort with Hearty Companions
• Pair Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick, rustic sourdough to soak up the rich, tangy lentil soup, adding delightful texture and complementing the earthy lentil flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's heartiness, offering a refreshing counterpoint with its zesty acidity.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, mint, and dill, dressed in lemon vinaigrette to mirror the soup's bright, citrusy notes.

How To Store Mary Berry Lentil Soup Properly

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed and steaming.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and smooth.

Lentil Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean Lentil Soup weaves rustic comfort with hearty nutrition, bringing warm Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen. Rich lentils, aromatic herbs, and simple ingredients create a soul-soothing bowl you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Lentils:

• 2 cups (400 grams) dried lentils, green or brown, rinsed

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 grams (14 ounces) crushed tomato
• 1.5 liters (1.5 quarts or 6 cups) vegetable or chicken stock, low sodium
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika powder
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley

Serving Suggestion:

• Warm bread

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious stockpot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 2 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate chopped carrots and celery, cooking for 7-10 minutes until vegetables soften and develop slight caramelization.
4. Add dried lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable stock, aromatic spices, and bay leaves to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, allowing lentils to become tender and absorb flavors.
6. Extract bay leaves carefully to prevent any bitter undertones.
7. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a creamy yet textured consistency.
8. Brighten the soup with fresh lemon zest and juice, enhancing its vibrant flavor profile.
9. Adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Prep veggies uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Consider soaking lentils beforehand to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
• Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or swap for chicken stock to enhance protein content and add deeper flavor complexity.
• Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days, as flavors develop and improve with time, creating an even more delicious soup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg