Name: Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 h 15 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes; 2 cups peeled and cubed russet potatoes; 2 cups peeled and sliced carrots; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 3/4 cups green lentils (or a mix of lentils and split peas); 8 cups vegetable broth; 1/3 cup quality olive oil; 3 cups baby spinach (or kale stems removed); 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; Optional – Parmesan cheese

There’s something truly soul-soothing about a bowl of homemade lentil soup, especially when it’s brimming with tender veggies and fragrant herbs. This Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe is my go-to for chilly evenings—it’s hearty, packed with flavor, and just plain feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

A white bowl holds a thick, orange-brown stew filled with tender chunks and green spinach leaves scattered throughout, topped with a sprinkle of white grated cheese and small green herb pieces. A silver spoon rests partially in the stew on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface next to a yellow and white striped cloth napkin, and a glass containing a light yellow drink is visible in the upper right background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly a huge fan of recipes that just make life easier while still tasting incredible. This Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe checks all those boxes. Every time I make it, it fills the kitchen with the most inviting aromas, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you.

Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker lets you wander off and come back to a perfected, ready-to-eat meal.
Balanced flavors: The mix of herbs and gentle spice creates a deep, comforting taste that isn’t overwhelming.
Extra creamy texture: I love how blending part of the soup adds a velvety creaminess without any cream required.
Vegetarian and hearty: Even without meat, this soup fully satisfies—perfect for cooler days or anytime you want cozy nourishment.

This image shows a white oval dish filled with thick, yellow-orange lentil soup that has a chunky texture with visible small lentils and bits of green leafy vegetables mixed in. A large silver ladle is placed inside the dish, scooping up some of the soup, revealing its hearty, slightly coarse consistency. The background is a dark wooden surface with a gray cloth partially visible in the top right corner. The colors and textures give a warm, home-cooked feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This soup’s success depends on the blend of hearty root veggies, wholesome lentils, and fresh greens paired with aromatic herbs. Each ingredient brings a distinct texture and flavor that melds beautifully as it cooks long and slow.

Flat lay of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed russet potatoes, peeled and sliced carrots, a small diced yellow onion, whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of dried basil, a small white bowl of dried oregano, a small white bowl of dried thyme, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small pile of green lentils, a small white bowl of vegetable broth, a small white bowl of quality olive oil, fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped fresh parsley, a small white bowl of red wine vinegar, and a small wedge of Parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweet potatoes: They add a lovely natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked down, balancing the earthiness of lentils.
Russet potatoes: These provide extra fiber and help create a satisfying, thick soup base.
Carrots: Classic in soups, carrots add color, sweetness, and a tender bite.
Yellow onion: The foundational savory flavor starts here, building depth in the broth.
Garlic: Adds warmth and complexity that brings the whole soup alive.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential to balance and bring out the other seasonings without overpowering.
Basil, oregano, thyme: These herbs provide an earthy, slightly sweet backbone—think Mediterranean comfort.
Red pepper flakes: Just a small kick wakes up the flavor and keeps things interesting.
Green lentils (or mix with split peas): The star protein here, they soak up flavors, stay tender but firm, and add substance.
Vegetable broth: Using a good-quality broth makes a huge difference in richness and overall flavor.
Olive oil: Adding it when blending a portion of the soup creates a silky texture and subtle fruity aroma.
Baby spinach (or kale): Adds freshness and a pop of leafy green nutrition, gently wilted at the end.
Fresh parsley: Mixed in last for a bright herbal note that lightens the soup’s earthiness.
Red wine vinegar: This splash balances the richness with a touch of acidity, rounding out the flavors.
Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top for those who want an extra savory finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always encourage tweaking this soup to your taste. Over time, I’ve added my own twists, and honestly, that’s part of the fun—you can make it truly yours.

Variation: Once, I swapped spinach for kale stems removed—gave it a slightly earthier vibe that I really liked.
Spicy kick: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky element.
Protein boost: Stir in cooked quinoa or chickpeas near the end for extra texture and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth’s label to be sure.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load Your Slow Cooker With Love

Start by adding the sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic right into the slow cooker. Toss in the kosher salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes next. Add the lentils and pour in all that rich vegetable broth. Give everything a gentle stir—no need to mix too vigorously; we want those lentils nestled in gently. Then, set it on high for about 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the lentils and veggies have softened up nicely but aren’t mushy.

Step 2: Blend for Creaminess

Here’s my favorite trick for that silky texture: scoop about 4 cups of soup into a blender or food processor along with the olive oil. Pulse it a few times, stopping before it’s completely smooth—you still want some texture. Pour this creamy mix back into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. At this point, taste it and adjust your seasonings—sometimes a little extra salt or vinegar makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add Greens & Finish Cooking

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and chopped parsley. Cover again and turn the slow cooker to low for another 15 minutes. This wilts the greens perfectly while keeping all those fresh flavors bright. When you’re ready to serve, add the red wine vinegar, stir once more, and you’re set!

Top Tip

Through my many attempts making this soup, I learned that layering flavors and textures really makes it shine. These tips saved me from a few bland bowls.

Don't skip blending part of the soup: That little bit of creaminess takes this lentil soup from good to unforgettable.
Use fresh herbs when possible: I noticed fresh parsley adds a brightness that dried just can’t match at the end.
Watch your lentils' cooking time: Lentils can get mushy if overcooked; check them around the 4-hour mark to avoid that.
Vinegar last: Adding red wine vinegar at the very end ensures that punch of tang stays lively.

How to Serve Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe

comforting lentil soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The sharp saltiness contrasts beautifully with the soup’s earthiness. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if I want a bit more heat. Fresh parsley leaves on top add a nice pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

To make it a full, satisfying meal, I often add a warm crusty bread—usually a rustic sourdough or a garlic naan. A crisp mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving the soup in individual mini cast iron pots or rustic bowls with a side plate of herb butter crostini. It makes the whole experience feel extra special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps wonderfully for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better than fresh.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw it, I keep some broth handy to loosen it up if needed.

Reheating

I usually reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents any sticking or burning. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water restores the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown or red lentils instead of green lentils?

You can substitute brown lentils without much trouble, but red lentils break down more quickly and may make the soup mushier. Green lentils are great for maintaining a bit of texture in this recipe.

How do I make this soup vegan?

This Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe is already vegetarian, and naturally vegan if you skip adding Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. Just ensure the vegetable broth is free from animal products.

Can I prepare this soup on the stove instead of using a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove, starting with sautéing the onions and garlic, then adding the remaining ingredients. Simmer for about 45 minutes or until lentils and veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.

What’s the best way to thicken this lentil soup?

Blending a portion of the soup, like in this recipe, adds natural creaminess and thickens the texture without extra flour or thickeners. You can also add a peeled and cubed potato or sweet potato to enhance thickness while cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Comforting Lentil Soup Recipe has become a kind of ritual in my kitchen whenever I want simple yet satisfying comfort food. It’s affordable, easy, and full of wholesome goodness. I really hope you give it a try—it’s like sharing a cozy moment between friends, one spoonful at a time.