Name: Grandma's Lentil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter optional; 1 medium yellow onion finely diced; 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks diced; 2 cups peeled diced potatoes about 2 small Yukon Gold or russet; 3 garlic cloves minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup crushed tomatoes canned; 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils rinsed and picked over; 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for serving; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon

There’s something about a bowl of Grandma’s Lentil Soup that just melts the day away. It’s thick, cozy, and full of tender lentils, sweet carrots, soft potatoes, and a rich, tomato-kissed broth that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all afternoon.

This is the kind of soup that makes your kitchen smell incredible, turns simple pantry staples into comfort food, and somehow feeds everyone who wanders through the door. Whether you’re chasing away a chill, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty, feel-good dinner, this soup has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Grandma’s Lentil Soup is as practical as it is nostalgic. It’s made with affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand—dried lentils, broth, a few veggies, and basic spices. No fancy steps, no hard-to-find items, just real food that tastes like home.

It also happens to be naturally high in fiber and protein, thanks to the lentils, and it’s easy to keep vegetarian or even vegan by choosing vegetable broth and skipping the butter. The soup thickens beautifully as it simmers, giving you that stick-to-your-ribs texture without any cream.

This is a big-batch soup, which means you cook once and eat well for days. It reheats beautifully, freezes like a dream, and tastes even better the next day—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want in your rotation for busy weeks and chilly nights.

What Kind of Lentils Work Best for Grandma’s Lentil Soup?

For this recipe, brown or green lentils are your best friends. They hold their shape while still becoming tender, giving the soup a hearty texture without turning mushy. They’re also the most common lentils in U.S. grocery stores, so they’re easy to grab on a regular shopping trip.

Red lentils can be used in a pinch, but they break down much more quickly and will give you a softer, creamier soup rather than a chunky one. If you do use red lentils, shorten the simmering time and keep an eye on the texture.

Whatever type you choose, always rinse the lentils under cool water and pick through them for any tiny stones or debris before cooking. It’s a simple step that keeps the soup smooth and enjoyable in every bite.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Before you start chopping, it helps to know what each ingredient brings to the pot. Think of this section as your roadmap to flavor and texture so you can swap or adjust with confidence.

Olive oil – Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables without burning.
Butter (optional) – A small amount deepens the flavor and gives the soup a “grandma’s kitchen” warmth, but you can leave it out to keep things dairy-free.
Yellow onion – Builds a savory base that makes the whole soup taste fuller and more developed.
Carrots – Bring natural sweetness and color, balancing the earthiness of the lentils.
Celery – Adds gentle flavor and a tender bite; it’s part of the classic soup trio.
Potatoes – Make the soup extra hearty and satisfying, turning it into more of a full meal.
Garlic – Infuses the broth with aroma and depth; it’s essential for that cozy, homey flavor.
Tomato paste – Concentrated tomato richness that gives the broth body and a subtle tang.
Crushed tomatoes – Lightly brighten the soup and add texture and acidity to balance the starches.
Brown or green lentils – The star of the show, providing plant-based protein and a satisfying, slightly nutty bite.
Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth – Forms the flavorful cooking liquid; using low-sodium lets you control the salt.
Bay leaf – Adds a gentle, savory aroma in the background.
Dried thyme – Brings classic herbiness that works beautifully with vegetables and lentils.
Ground cumin – Adds a subtle warmth and earthiness that keeps the soup from tasting flat.
Smoked paprika – A touch of smokiness that makes the soup taste like it simmered over a wood stove.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for highlighting all the other flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little kick if you like your soup with some heat.
Fresh parsley – Stirred in at the end for color and a fresh, green note.
Fresh lemon juice – Brightens and lifts the whole pot right before serving, so every spoonful tastes lively.

How To Make Grandma’s Lentil Soup

This soup follows a simple rhythm: sauté your veggies, bloom your spices, simmer the lentils until tender, then finish with fresh lemon and herbs. Take your time with the early steps—the more flavor you build at the beginning, the better the final bowl will be.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil (and butter, if using) in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges, about 7–8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Tomato, and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, thyme, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to caramelize the tomato paste slightly and wake up the spices.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for about 30–35 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The lentils and potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape.

Step 5: Adjust the Texture

If the soup is thicker than you’d like, stir in a little extra broth or water. For a creamier texture, use a ladle to scoop out 1–2 cups of the soup, blend it until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon as needed. This final seasoning step makes a big difference, so don’t skip it.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. If you like, finish each bowl with an extra sprinkle of parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving and Storing Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Grandma’s Lentil Soup is hearty enough to be a full meal, especially when you add a slice of crusty bread on the side. A generous bowl with some toppings easily feeds a hungry adult, so this recipe comfortably serves about 6 people.

As the soup cools, it thickens even more, which makes it fantastic for leftovers. If it thickens more than you like, simply stir in a splash of broth or water while reheating until it reaches your perfect consistency.

To store, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid if needed.

What to Serve With Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls

Nothing beats dunking warm, crusty bread into a thick bowl of lentil soup. A baguette, sourdough, or soft dinner rolls all pair beautifully.

Simple Green Salad

Balance the heartiness of the soup with a crisp salad—mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette work perfectly.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For a nostalgic, diner-style meal, serve the soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese. The melty cheese and toasted bread are incredible with the savory lentils.

Baked Potatoes

A plain or lightly dressed baked potato is a cozy, budget-friendly side that stretches the meal and keeps everyone full.

Roasted Vegetables

Sheet-pan roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli add extra veggies to the plate and bring a nice caramelized flavor.

Light Pasta Salad

A simple pasta salad with olive oil, herbs, and a little Parmesan makes a fresh, tasty companion to a warm bowl of soup.

Cheese and Crackers

If you’re serving this soup for a casual lunch, a small plate of cheese and crackers rounds things out without much effort.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If Grandma’s Lentil Soup wins a spot in your regular rotation, you’ll love exploring more comforting bowls from Nora Nosh:

A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup for another rustic, protein-packed classic.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup when you’re craving something ultra cheesy and rich.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
Hearty Potato Kielbasa Soup when you want something extra smoky and satisfying.
Spicy Coconut Shrimp Soup for a lighter, spicy, and slightly tropical change of pace.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Grandma’s Lentil Soup to your favorite Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra veggies? Sneak in some spinach? Finish it with Parmesan or keep it dairy-free?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook smarter and eat cozier.

For even more comforting soups, easy dinners, and everyday food ideas, explore the recipes shared over on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest. Pin your favorites and build a board full of delicious inspiration.