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Vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Lentil Soup

This hearty and nourishing lentil soup, bursting with garden vegetables and a hint of smokiness, is enlivened with a zesty lemon finish. A comforting bowl perfect for any season.

  • Total Time1 hour 6 minutes
  • Yield5 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 Tbsp 22.5 ml Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely chopped (approx. 110g))
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced (approx. 16g))
  • 1 large Carrot (diced (approx. 85g))
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced (approx. 85g))
  • 3/4 cup approx. 144g Brown or Green Lentils, rinsed
  • 5.75 cups 1.36 L Vegetable Broth
  • 3 fl oz (approx. 90ml Fresh Lemon Juice)
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 0.75 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 1.5 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 cups Kale (stems removed and leaves chopped (approx. 140g))

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lentils: Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cool running water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Season with a portion of the salt and pepper.
  3. Bloom Spices and Toast Lentils: Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. Introduce the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir for another 1-2 minutes to lightly toast them.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice. Add the bay leaf. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until the kale has wilted and turned bright green. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more lemon juice if desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1.5 cups): Calories: 198 kcal | Total Fat: 5.3 g | Total Carbs: 28.6 g (Fiber: 5.8 g) | Protein: 10.4 g | Sodium: 1379 mg

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Sodium can vary significantly based on the sodium content of your vegetable broth and added salt.

  • Prep Time: 13 minutes
  • Cook Time: 53 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 198

Find it online: https://foodtrackergirl.com/2025/05/28/from-my-kitchen-to-yours-the-story-behind-this-vibrant-mediterranean-lemon-lentil-soup/