You can almost smell the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you imagine a steaming bowl of lentil soup with carrots and celery. This comforting dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. The vibrant colors of the carrots and celery dance together in the rich broth, promising a delightful flavor explosion that will warm your heart and soul.

Picture yourself curled up on the couch after a long day, spooning up this hearty lentil soup with carrots and celery, each bite bringing back memories of family gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply looking for something wholesome to nourish your body, this recipe is what you’ve been waiting for. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that fills your home with warmth and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lentil soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its robust flavor profile blends earthy lentils with sweet carrots and crunchy celery
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning any meal into a feast for the eyes
- Versatile enough to enjoy alone or paired with crusty bread, this soup fits any occasion
Everyone raved about how delicious my lentil soup turned out at last monthβs potluck!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Lentils: Use green or brown lentils; they hold their shape well during cooking.
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Carrots: Fresh, vibrant carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best texture.
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Celery: Crunchy celery provides a delightful contrast; opt for stalks that are bright green and crisp.
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Onion: A yellow onion brings depth to the flavor; chop it finely for even cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer an aromatic kick; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
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Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; homemade is always a plus if you have it!
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Cumin: Ground cumin adds warmth and earthiness; it’s like a spice hug for your soup.
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Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil enhances richness; extra virgin offers the best flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every other ingredient in this soup.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Begin by washing and chopping all fresh vegetables. Dice your onion and garlic finely while slicing carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces.
SautΓ© Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add onions first until they turn translucent, then stir in garlic until fragrantβabout 1 minute.
Add Lentils & Spices: Toss in rinsed lentils along with cumin, stirring well to coat everything evenly before adding vegetable broth.
Pour in Broth & Simmer: Pour enough vegetable broth to cover lentils by about an inch. Bring to a boil before reducing heat; let it simmer uncovered for roughly 30 minutes.
Add Carrots & Celery: Once lentils are tender but not mushy, stir in chopped carrots and celery. Simmer for another 15 minutes until veggies are cooked through yet retain their crunch.
Season & Serve!: Taste your masterpiece and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving hot! Enjoy alongside crusty bread or top with fresh herbsβyour choice!
Now that youβve mastered this comforting classic, enjoy every spoonful of your homemade lentil soup with carrots and celery!
You Must Know
- Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery is more than comfort food; itβs a hug in a bowl
- The earthy aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone wonder what delicious magic is happening
- Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing onions and garlic to create a fragrant base, then add lentils and vegetables. Simmer gently to allow flavors to meld beautifully for about 30 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out carrots or celery for other veggies like spinach or kale. Experiment with spices such as cumin or smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lentil soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect texture, soak lentils beforehand, reducing cooking time significantly
- Always taste before serving; seasoning adjustments can elevate the flavor
- Adding a squeeze of lemon brightens up the soup wonderfully!
Creating this soup reminds me of my childhood when my grandma would make it on chilly afternoons. Sheβd always say itβs a “one-pot miracle,” and I couldnβt agree more!
FAQ
What type of lentils should I use for Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery?
Brown or green lentils work best for a hearty texture in this soup.
Can I freeze Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery?
Yes, this soup freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeΓ±os during cooking for an extra kick!

Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Warm your soul with this hearty lentil soup, brimming with vibrant carrots and crunchy celery. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need comfort food, this dish is both nutritious and easy to prepare. Each spoonful delivers a delightful combination of earthy flavors, making it an ideal choice for cozy nights in or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions until translucent, then stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Mix in rinsed lentils and cumin, stirring well before adding vegetable broth.
- Cover lentils with broth by about an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Stir in chopped vegetables and simmer for another 15 minutes until tender.
- Adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition. Enhance the flavor with spices such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick.