Cozy Lentil Soup for Weeknights

Name: Cozy Lentil Soup for Weeknights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 cup red lentils; 1 can diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 lemon, juiced; Yogurt, to finish

A pot of humble lentils transformed by cumin, tomato, and a bright squeeze of lemon.

Julian ReyesFood writerMay 18, 2026★★★★★4.7(15 reviews)

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A bowl of lentil soup with herbs — Photo by Cala on Unsplash

This is the soup to make when the week has been long and the fridge has been ignored. It uses very little and delivers a lot.

Red lentils soften quickly, giving the broth body without cream or blending. A can of tomatoes adds brightness, and lemon keeps the pot from feeling heavy.

Weeknight rhythm

Start the soup, warm flatbread while it simmers, and set out yogurt, herbs, and chili oil for the table.

The recipe

Tick ingredients off as you go. Quantities scale with servings.

4 servings

Method 4 steps

Bloom cumin in olive oil until fragrant.
5 min
Add onion and carrots, then cook until softened.
20 min
Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until the lentils dissolve into the broth.
Season with salt and lemon juice, then finish each bowl with yogurt.

Serving notes

Serve with a torn heel of good bread, a green salad sharp with lemon, and a glass of something cold. Leftovers keep, covered, for up to three days in the fridge.

Tagged#soup #quick #vegetarian