French Lentil Soup
Warm, hearty, and irresistibly flavorful, this French Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort dish with a touch of rustic charm. Made with nutrient-packed French green lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs like thyme and bay leaf, this soup delivers a rich, earthy flavor in every bite. A splash of tomato paste and diced tomatoes adds depth and brightness, while a simmer in vegetable broth ensures a perfectly tender texture. Ready in under an hour, this satisfying vegan and gluten-free meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Serve it with fresh parsley garnish and crusty bread for a homey yet elegant dining experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup French green lentils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the French green lentils under cold water and set them aside.
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and rinsed lentils. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1154 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.1 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 6311 mg | 274% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.8 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.6 g | 149% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.0 g | ||
| Protein | 48.1 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 387 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 4424 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
