Dinner

Spicy Lentil Soup: Healthy & Warming Recipe

Byreem everly October 18, 2025October 18, 2025

Introduction

Spicy Lentil Soup is a healthy and warming dish that combines hearty lentils with vibrant spices and fresh greens. It’s perfect for cozy evenings when you want something nourishing and full of flavor. This easy-to-make soup is both comforting and packed with nutrients.

A white bowl filled with thick yellow lentil soup showing visible orange carrot pieces and green leafy spinach scattered throughout, topped with chopped fresh green herbs and a sprinkle of red chili flakes in the center. Two slices of toasted rustic bread with a golden-brown crust rest on the edge of the bowl, leaning slightly inward. Inside the bowl on the right side is a vintage silver spoon with intricate floral engravings resting partially in the soup. The bowl sits on a white plate with blue decorative patterns, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth (or water), and diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer one to two cups to a blender and blend until smooth before returning it to the pot.
Step 5: Serve hot, drizzled with fresh lemon juice if desired, and garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
For added protein, stir in cooked sausage or shredded chicken before serving.
Try adding other leafy greens like Swiss chard or collard greens as a variation.
Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with thick yellow lentil soup with visible pieces of orange carrot and green spinach leaves scattered on top, sprinkled with red chili flakes and fresh chopped parsley. Two toasted pieces of crusty bread with a golden-brown crunchy exterior rest inside the bowl, leaning against its edge. A silver spoon with intricate patterns is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is white with a blue patterned rim, and it sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, red lentils can be used, but they cook faster and tend to break down more, resulting in a smoother texture. Adjust the simmering time accordingly to about 15-20 minutes.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and canned tomatoes labels to ensure they do not contain gluten additives.