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A bowl of hearty lentil potato soup filled with veggies, garnished with fresh herbs.

Lentil Potato Soup

A comforting and simple one-pot soup made with lentils, potatoes, and everyday pantry ingredients that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil or butter For sautéing
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Flavor foundation
  • 2 medium Carrots, chopped Optional but adds sweetness
  • 2 stalks Celery, chopped Optional but adds depth
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Adds flavor
  • 1 cup Brown or green lentils Holds shape; red lentils break down
  • 2 medium Potatoes, diced Yukon gold or russet preferred
  • 4 cups Broth (vegetable or chicken) Low sodium recommended
  • 1 bay leaf Bay leaf Optional for flavor
Spices and Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika For warmth
  • to taste Salt To taste
  • to taste Pepper To taste
Finishing Touches
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or vinegar A splash at the end to brighten flavor
  • to taste Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) For garnish, if available

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and spices (cumin and smoked paprika). Cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add the lentils and stir for about 1 minute.
  4. Incorporate diced potatoes, broth, and enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch. Add in the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to simmer, partially cover, and cook for 25 to 35 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
  6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.
  7. For a creamier texture, mash some potatoes in the pot or blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.

Notes

This soup is flexible; feel free to skip optional ingredients or add in extras like spinach or shredded chicken according to your preference. It's a forgiving recipe, great for meal prep.