Lentil Potato Soup recipe | Simple & Hearty Comfort Meal

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There’s something special about a pot of soup simmering as the evening settles in. The smell of garlic and onion fills the kitchen, and the quiet bubbling feels like comfort itself. This Lentil Potato Soup brings that feeling home hearty, wholesome, and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Potato Soup

You’ll love this recipe because it checks every comforting box. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and made entirely with pantry staples. Lentils and potatoes make it hearty enough for dinner, while the mix of carrots, garlic, and tomato adds a cozy balance of sweetness and depth. It’s naturally vegetarian, easy to make vegan, and flexible for meal prep. Plus, it freezes beautifully for busy nights when you need warmth fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need a few simple ingredients for this Lentil Potato Soup:

  • Onion, garlic, and carrots: the aromatic base that builds flavor.
  • Tomato paste and optional tomato sauce: for color and tang.
  • Green lentils (or a mix of green, black, and red split lentils — just not only red split, as they break down too fast).
  • Red or yellow potatoes: diced small so they cook evenly. Sweet potatoes work too, though they’ll add a different flavor.
  • Water or broth: vegetable broth adds richness, but water works if you season well.
  • Herbs and seasonings: cumin, paprika, thyme, or parsley are all great options.
    Optional add-ins like spinach or kale give a boost of greens at the end.

Best Lentils for This Soup

Green or brown lentils are ideal here. They hold their shape well while still turning tender and earthy. A mix of green, black, and red split lentils also works beautifully for variety in texture. Avoid using only red split lentils — they cook too quickly and can make the soup too mushy.

Best Potatoes for This Soup

Red or yellow potatoes are perfect because they stay firm and creamy without falling apart. If you prefer something sweeter, you can swap in diced sweet potatoes for a subtle twist. Just keep in mind they cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.

How to Make Lentil Potato Soup

Step 1 – Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a little oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 2 – Add Tomato Base

Stir in tomato paste and, if using, tomato sauce. Let them cook for a minute or two. This step deepens the flavor and gives the soup a rich base.

Lentils, potatoes, and herbs in a Dutch oven before adding broth

Step 3 – Add Lentils, Potatoes, and Liquid

Mix in the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, herbs, and seasonings. Pour in the water or broth. Stir well so everything combines evenly.

Lentils, potatoes, and carrots mixed with tomato sauce in Dutch oven

Step 4 – Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 35–40 minutes until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5 – Finish and Serve

Check the potatoes with a fork for doneness. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For a creamy texture, you can blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

This soup also works in a slow cooker — just combine everything and cook on low for about 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4.

Cooking Tips and Adjustments

Add chopped spinach or kale at the end for color and nutrients. For a thicker consistency, mash a few potatoes right in the pot. To make it child-friendly, blend it smooth. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture.

Warm bowl of lentil potato soup with carrots and parsley on light surface

Common Questions About Lentil Potato Soup

Can I use canned lentils?

Yes. Drain and rinse them first, then add during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4, then stir in greens and lemon juice before serving.

How do I thicken or thin the soup?

Simmer uncovered to thicken or mash some potatoes and lentils. Add broth or water to thin.

Can I blend it for a smoother texture?

Yes. Use an immersion blender for partial or full blending, depending on your preference.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water. The flavors deepen overnight.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes. Cool completely, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with extra broth if needed.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

There are so many ways to make this Lentil Potato Soup your own. Add curry powder for warmth, smoked paprika for depth, or stir in a bit of coconut milk for creaminess. Toss in extra vegetables like celery, zucchini, or corn for a heartier version. You can also blend it completely for a silky soup or leave it chunky for that rustic, homemade feel.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or naan for dipping. It’s also delicious with a simple salad or sandwich. The mild flavor lets it sit well next to stronger dishes like mushroom chicken soup recipe or marry me chicken soup recipe.

More Such Recipes

Warm bowl of lentil potato soup with carrots and parsley on light surface

Conclusion

This Lentil Potato Soup is a bowl of everyday comfort hearty, quick, and endlessly adaptable. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels like home every time. Whether you blend it smooth or keep it chunky, this soup brings warmth to any season. Share it, freeze it, or enjoy it solo with a spoon and quiet evening light.

You can find more warm, cozy ideas on Pinterest and Facebook.

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Warm bowl of lentil potato soup with carrots and parsley on light surface

Lentil Potato Soup recipe | Simple & Hearty Comfort Meal


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor, this Lentil Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 medium carrots, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional)

1 cup green lentils (or mix of green, brown, and red split)

2 cups small red or yellow potatoes, diced

6 cups water or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon thyme or parsley

2 cups spinach or kale (optional, stirred in at end)


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste and optional tomato sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor.

4. Add rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, herbs, and spices. Stir to coat everything evenly.

5. Pour in water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 35–40 minutes.

6. Check potatoes and lentils for tenderness using a fork.

7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

8. For a creamier texture, blend part or all of the soup before serving.

9. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad.

Notes

For added greens, stir in spinach or kale at the end of cooking.

To make it kid-friendly, blend partially or fully for a smooth texture.

Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor.

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Avoid using only red split lentils, as they cook too fast and change texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Soup Recipes
  • Method: One-pot stovetop (slow cooker optional)
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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