Get cozy this winter with some help from these lentil soup recipes. From classic vegetable lentil to new takes like southwestern lentil and pumpkin-lentil soup, these hearty bowls will warm your soul.
Everyone’s looking to add more fiber to their diets nowadays. Luckily, lentils are packed with it, along with protein and other vitamins and minerals. There are many incredible lentil recipes that showcase the little legume, but during the colder months, lentil soup recipes reign supreme. Warming, cozy and singing with all kinds of earthy, bold and wonderfully aromatic spices, you’ll never tire of lentil soups.
There’s a little something for everyone in this collection. You’ll find tried-and-true classics, like vegetable lentil soup, French lentil soup and lentil stew, as well as more modern recipes, like Southwest barley and lentil or Italian-style lentil soup. There are brothy soups, cream-based soups, pureed soups and heartier, chunky stews. Many are Dutch oven soup recipes, though there are Instant Pot and slow cooker options for those who prefer them.
While there are plenty of meaty lentil soup recipes here for an even bigger protein boost, vegetarian and vegan diners have options, too. Complete the meal with one or two sides for soup, like a zingy salad, crisp crackers, slices of crusty bread or buttery garlic bread to soak up the richly flavored broth.
1/24
Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This nourishing lentil soup comes together quickly with pantry ingredients and simple herbs and spices like thyme, cumin and paprika. The trick to its creamy yet hearty texture is to partially puree the soup using an immersion blender once the lentils are tender. Serve with a piece of crusty bread and you're golden. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 176 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/24
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Wrap yourself in nourishing comfort in about 20 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients and an Instant Pot. Soup's on! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 182 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
3/24
Red Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
While I was in high school, I had the good fortune to spend a summer in Tunisia as an exchange student. The aroma and flavors of this soup always remind me of that time and the wonderful family I lived with. This soup uses lots of warm spices, including ground cumin, dried oregano and ground turmeric. —Elya Lanz, Covington, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 276 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1076mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 15g protein.
4/24
Chicken Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
What do you do when you fall in love with a guy who's as attached to his mom's favorite soup as you are to yours? Why, you figure out a way to combine them, of course! The love of my life says his mom's lentil soup was beyond perfection. I feel the same way about my mom's chicken soup. And now our Sunday soup tradition is a melange of both, seamlessly blended into something totally new and totally us! —Jodi Taffel, Altadena, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 265 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
5/24
Cream of Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentil lovers will want a second bowl of this nourishing soup with a subtle touch of curry. It looks particularly appealing thanks to the color added by the fresh spinach. —Kim Russell, North Wales, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
6/24
Ham and Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This lentil soup with ham is a combination of two soup recipes I came across and adapted. I often serve it for Sunday dinner, making enough so there are leftovers for my husband's lunch Thermos. A bricklayer, he regularly works outside during winter. —Andi Haug, Hendrum, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
7/24
Vegan Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Double the recipe and share this hearty soup with neighbors and loved ones on cold winter nights. I serve it with cornbread for dunking. —Michelle Curtis, Baker City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
8/24
Sausage and Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
During the cooler months of the year, this soup makes regular appearances on our dinner table. It is approved by all, including my picky 6-year-old. —Kalyn Gensic, Ardmore, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 390 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1242mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 22g protein.
9/24
Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Balsamic vinegar and honey give this healthy soup a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Since this soup is slow-cooked, the vegetables and lentils retain their texture and don’t turn into mush. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 145 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
10/24
Spiced-Up Healthy Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been a hit with family and friends. It’s spicy, low-fat and filled with good-for-you ingredients. —Diane Tayman, Dixon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
11/24
Southwest Barley & Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family makes lentil soup every new year for good luck. My mom has been making it since I was little. Over time, we've tweaked it so that all our family and friends love it. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 17g fiber), 21g protein.
12/24
French Lentil and Carrot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
13/24
Vegetable Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
14/24
Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 17g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
15/24
Italian-Style Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I cook with lentils often because they're a nutritious, inexpensive source of protein. This low-fat soup is one of my favorite ways to use them. To make it even heartier, add ground beef, cooked sausage or leftover cubed chicken. —Rachel Keller, Roanoke, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 122 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
16/24
Beef Barley Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/24
Beef Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
You can prepare this soup as the main course in a hearty lunch or dinner. On cold winter evenings here in New England, I've often enjoyed sipping a steaming mugful in front of our fireplacel. —Guy Turnbull, Arlington, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
18/24
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 244 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 15g protein.
19/24
Red Lentil Soup Mix
From the Recipe Creator:
Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 257 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1067mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
20/24
Lentil Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
When my children requested more vegetarian dishes, this chunky stew became a favorite. Red wine vinegar perks up the flavor and carrots add color. We like to ladle helpings over cooked rice.
—Alice McEachern of Surrey, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 168 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1123mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 10g fiber), 10g protein.
21/24
Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. —Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
22/24
Curry Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This curry soup might be vegan, but it's still as creamy as ever. If you prefer a meatier bowl, toss some chicken and chicken broth into the recipe. —Kijan Zendi, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 365 calories, 16g fat (16g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein.
23/24
Beef and Lentil Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Lentils were one of the crops on my dad's farm when we were growing up, and they're the best-kept secret in this delicious chili recipe. This dish is great for a large family meal and also freezes well. Everyone who asks for this recipe is amazed at how simple it is. —Cindy Agee, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 367 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 29g protein.
24/24
Lentil & Chicken Sausage Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 13g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
Lentil Soup Recipes FAQ
What are the most common mistakes when making lentil soup?
The most common mistakes when making lentil soup are not rinsing the lentils and not cooking them long enough. Before cooking, always pick through your lentils for plant bits or small stones, then rinse them to remove any dirt or debris. While cooking lentil soup, don’t go by time alone to judge doneness. Taste a spoonful, and if the lentils are still a little hard and toothsome, keep cooking. Avoid fishing out only one or two lentils from the pot, as it’s harder to detect their doneness than a spoonful’s worth.
Do lentils need to be soaked before making soup?
Unlike dry beans, lentils do not need to be soaked before making soup, though it can make some types of lentils cook through more quickly. Red and yellow lentils cook in as little as 15 minutes, so soaking is unnecessary. If a recipe does recommend soaking the lentils but you would like to skip that step, be prepared for the cooking time to be longer and you may need a touch more broth or water.
What spices are best in lentil soup?
Lentils are mild but a little earthy, so they pair well with fresh and dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary and Herbs de Provence, as well as spices like turmeric, cumin, paprika, ginger, curry powder, red pepper flakes and coriander. These spices and dried herbs are earthy, spicy or pungent, complementing the lentil’s natural flavor while also infusing the soup with a punch of flavor, so it’s anything but bland.
