Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying red lentil vegetable soup that will have you coming back for seconds every time! This nutrient-packed soup combines tender red lentils with aromatic vegetables in a golden, flavorful broth enhanced with warming spices like turmeric. Served alongside homemade mozzarella cheese croutons that are crispy on the outside and melty inside, this complete meal delivers restaurant-quality flavors straight from your kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or whenever you need a wholesome, soul-warming dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 200g (7 oz/1 cup) red lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups (1L) vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Cheese Croutons:
- 3 thick slices bread
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Italian herbs to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Soup:
- Prep lentils: Rinse red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Soak in water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add vegetables: Add minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season vegetables: Sprinkle turmeric and red pepper flakes over vegetables. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring well to coat everything with spices.
- Add lentils and broth: Add drained lentils and vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Cook soup: Let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Season and finish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Make the Cheese Croutons:
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4).
- Prepare bread: Brush bread slices with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Make topping: Mix Greek yogurt with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Assemble croutons: Spread yogurt mixture on toasted bread, top with mozzarella slices and tomato slices.
- Final bake: Return to oven for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve alongside warm cheese croutons.
Time and Serving Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous portions
Nutritional Information (per serving with croutons)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Iron: 4mg
Why This Lentil Soup Recipe is So Good and Healthy
This remarkable lentil soup delivers exceptional nutrition while satisfying your deepest comfort food cravings. Red lentils are nutritional powerhouses, packed with plant-based protein, iron, folate, and fiber that support heart health, stable blood sugar, and digestive wellness. The colorful vegetable medley provides essential vitamins A and C from carrots, plus potassium and antioxidants from celery and onions. Turmeric adds powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, while garlic boosts immune function naturally. This soup is naturally low in fat yet incredibly filling, making it perfect for weight management and sustained energy. The combination of protein-rich lentils and complex carbohydrates creates a complete meal that keeps you satisfied for hours. Unlike many commercial soups loaded with sodium and preservatives, this homemade version lets you control ingredients while delivering fresh, wholesome nutrition. The addition of cheese croutons provides calcium and makes this humble soup feel indulgent, proving that healthy eating never has to be boring or restrictive.