Name: The Best Carrot and Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice or fresh herbs (optional)

I love this carrot and lentil soup because it’s warming, nourishing, and deeply comforting. I enjoy how the natural sweetness of carrots blends with hearty lentils and gentle spices, creating a smooth, satisfying soup that feels wholesome and cozy in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. I enjoy that it’s filling without being heavy, and I appreciate how well it works for meal prep since the flavors only get better over time. I also love that it’s naturally comforting and easy to customize. The Best Carrot and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

carrots
red lentils
onion
garlic
olive oil
vegetable broth
ground cumin
ground coriander
salt
black pepper
optional lemon juice or fresh herbs

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add chopped onion and cook it until soft and translucent. I stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

I add sliced carrots, red lentils, cumin, and coriander, stirring so everything is well coated with the spices. I pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

I let the soup cook until the carrots and lentils are very tender. I blend the soup until smooth, then return it to low heat. I season with salt and black pepper and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if I want a brighter flavor.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 to 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 10 minutes, cooking time is about 30 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add ginger or turmeric for extra warmth. I like stirring in coconut milk for a creamier texture. When I want more texture, I blend only part of the soup and leave some lentils whole.

storage/reheating

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop and add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. The Best Carrot and Lentil Soup

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?

I can, but I increase the cooking time since red lentils cook faster and break down more easily.

Is this soup vegan?

I make it vegan by using vegetable broth, which works perfectly.

Can I freeze carrot and lentil soup?

I freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do I need to soak the lentils first?

I don’t soak red lentils, since they cook quickly and soften easily.

How do I make the soup thicker or thinner?

I adjust the thickness by adding more broth for a thinner soup or simmering longer for a thicker one.

Conclusion

I enjoy the best carrot and lentil soup because it’s simple, nourishing, and full of comforting flavor. I love how everyday ingredients come together into a warm, satisfying meal that feels both healthy and hearty, making it a recipe I return to often.