Description
This Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a comforting, nutritious, and hearty dish that combines tender lentils, soft potatoes, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful tomato-based broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and is naturally vegetarian and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 large carrot (3-4 oz), diced
- 12 oz potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
Lentils & Tomato
- 1 1/4 cups lentils (green, red split, black, or a mix)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (optional)
Seasonings & Liquids
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 4-5 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute until it starts to soften. Then add the minced garlic and diced carrot, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently, until fragrant and the vegetables begin to soften. Be careful not to burn the garlic during this step.
- Add Base & Lentils: Stir in the tomato paste and optional tomato sauce, mixing well to blend with the sautéed vegetables. Add the lentils to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the tomato paste to slightly toast and infuse flavor.
- Add Potatoes & Liquids: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then pour in 4 cups of water, reserving up to 1 cup extra to adjust consistency later. Stir in salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano, making sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 25-35 minutes. Stir occasionally, and add more water if you prefer a thinner soup consistency. The soup is done when the lentils are fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Final Seasoning & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- Choose lentils based on your preference; green lentils hold their shape well, while red lentils tend to become creamier.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less water or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
- The tomato sauce is optional but adds a richer tomato flavor and depth.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a vegan diet, ensure the vegetable oil used is plant-based.
