15-Minute Lentil Soup (2024)

Need lentil soup for one? Allow us to suggest this super fast recipe for a "can"-do dinner. It uses canned lentils and store-bought vegetable or chicken broth—that's why it's so fast. The recipe starts with gently cooking finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery; this is called a mirepoix or aromatic base. The vegetables are cooked until soft, just like they are in a big-batch lentil soup. Then, the stock is poured into the pot and simmered briefly to develop the flavor before canned lentils are added. This is when the soup is ready for its final ingredient—a little red wine vinegar brings it all together.

For a healthy, delicious, quick, and easy meal for one, you really can't beat this comforting recipe. Serve with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.

Finishing Touches

Here's what to serve with lentil soup—or what to add to each bowl to make it a little more elevated. Pick your favorites and be sure to add them to the grocery list when you're ready to shop.

• Top with grated Parmesan
• Top with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives
• Top with crispy bacon
• Stir in a handful of baby spinach (just before the vinegar)
• Serve a hunk of your favorite cheese, such as Cheddar or an aged Gouda, on the side
• Serve with crusty bread, like a baguette, for dunking
• Serve with soup crackers
• Serve with cornbread

1. Cook vegetables:

   In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes.

   

2. Add broth and cook:

   Add broth, bring to a boil, and cook 5 minutes.

   

3. Add lentils and cook:

   Add lentils and cook until soup thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

   

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you overcook lentils in soup?

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

Why does my lentil soup taste bland?

Lentils have a relatively mild taste and take well to seasonings. To avoid a bland lentil soup, use a flavorful broth—whether that's homemade or store-bought chicken or vegetable broth. The other key is building flavor. To do so, use aromatics like onions and garlic, include fresh or dried herbs, and season well with salt and pepper.

Other Quick Soup Recipes to Try:

• Late-Summer Vegetable Soup
• Tortellini Soup with Peas and Spinach
• Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
• Smoky Black-Bean Soup with Sausage
• Stracciatella with Brown Rice