Best 9 Big Batch Lentil Soup Recipes

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**Lentil Soup: A Hearty and Wholesome Meal for All Occasions**

Indulge in the comforting goodness of lentil soup, a culinary delight that nourishes both body and soul. This versatile dish, made with humble lentils simmered in a flavorful broth, is a symphony of textures and flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, our collection of lentil soup recipes offers something for everyone. From classic to contemporary, vegetarian to meat-based, we've got you covered. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let's embark on a delicious adventure together.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LENTIL SOUP



Lentil Soup image

Recipe VIDEO above. Don't settle for a bland lentil soup. Make it right, and you'll have everyone begging for seconds...and thirds! The touch of spices and finishing it off with lemon really lifts this soup to the next level.

Provided by Nagi@RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Mains     Soup

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped ((white, brown, yellow))
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot (, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups))
2 celery ribs (, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups))
2 cups / 400g dried lentils (, green or brown, rinsed (Note 1))
400g / 14 oz crushed tomato
1.5 litres / 1.5 quarts (6 cups) vegetable or chicken (stock / broth, low sodium)
1/2 tsp each cumin and coriander powder
1 1/2 tsp paprika powder
2 dried bay leaves
1 lemon (zest + juice)
1/4 tsp salt and pepper, (each)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Warm bread, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add celery and carrot. Cook for 7 - 10 minutes or until softened and the onion is sweet. Don't rush this step, it is key to the flavour base of the soup.
  • Add all remaining ingredients except the lemon and salt. Stir.
  • Increase heat and bring to simmer. Scoop scum on the surface off and discard (do this again during cooking if required). Place lid on and turn heat down to medium low. Simmer for 35 - 40 minutes or until lentils are soft.
  • Remove bay leaves.
  • Thicken Soup: Using a stick blender, do 2 or 3 quick whizzes to thicken the soup (see video below). Or transfer 2 cups to a blender, let it cool slightly, then hold lid with tea towel and blend then transfer back into pot.
  • Add a touch of water if you want to adjust soup consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Grate over the zest of the lemon then add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with warm crusty bread slathered liberally with butter!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 421 g, Calories 311 kcal, Carbohydrate 48 g, Protein 18 g, Fat 5 g, Sodium 111 mg, Fiber 22 g, Sugar 5 g

BIG BATCH RED LENTIL SOUP



Big Batch Red Lentil Soup image

This should really be called Healthy Healthy Soup, but it's so good, no one would believe it! The soup freezes extremely well and makes about 20 cups or so - enough, as the magazine said for "3 meals for a family of 4". NOT for our family - it's only enough for about 2 meals. We LOVE it! I found this in some now forgotten magazine long ago and have changed it (added carrots, omitted the green pepper, added different colored peppers, took out the cilantro, which I HATE, and substituted parsley) quite a bit. The original also called for half brown and half red lentils. All red makes a much better tasting soup and it's prettier, I think; no muddy color. If you use vegetable stock, it's vegetarian. Omit the Zesty Lime Cream dollop and it's vegan. Hope you all enjoy it too!!! P. S. - Cut your prep time by using a food processor to chop all the veggies. Add the herbs as well so they blend in.

Provided by annbb

Categories     Lentil

Time 1h10m

Yield 20-22 cups

Number Of Ingredients 19

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium onions, chopped
3 sweet red peppers (can use yellow or orange peppers as well)
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
6 carrots, peeled & chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander (IMPORTANT FLAVOR)
4 cups red lentils, rinsed & picked over to remove any debris
12 cups homemade chicken stock (or 2 large cans, 2 pints 14 oz. each, chicken broth) or 12 cups homemade vegetable stock (or 2 large cans, 2 pints 14 oz. each, chicken broth)
1 (35 1/4 ounce) can plum tomatoes, chopped (very lightly cuisinarted)
2 cups water
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
cayenne pepper (I like it with a good kick)
3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley (or cilantro)
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest

Steps:

  • Warm oil in a very big pot over medium heat. Add onion & cook 3 minutes. Add sweet peppers, hot peppers, carrots, garlic, oregano, cumin & coriander, (which I cuisinart all together), and cook 10 minute or until veggies are soft, stirring often.
  • Add lentils, broth, tomatoes with their liquid and the water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in the salt and cayenne.
  • Remove about 1/2 of the soup and CAREFULLY puree in batches in a food processor or blender (blender works better) by pulsing off and on. (WATCH IT! VERY HOT!)
  • Stir puree back into soup in the pot. Taste and correct seasonings if necessary. Stir in the fresh parsley.
  • For the Zesty Lime Cream: Combine the sour cream, lime juice and zest in a small bowl. Stir well.
  • Serve soup with a dollop of the Zesty Lime Cream floating on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236.4, Fat 5.5, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 3.2, Sodium 1110.9, Carbohydrate 31.1, Fiber 6.1, Sugar 4.2, Protein 17.5

VERY BEST LENTIL SOUP



Very Best Lentil Soup image

This lentil soup is hearty, healthy, and loaded with roasted tomatoes, mirepoix vegetables, and delicious Mediterranean flavors. The perfect cold-weather meal!

Provided by Lisa Bryan

Categories     Soup

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup olive oil
1 onion (small diced)
2 carrots (small diced)
2 celery stalks (small diced)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3-4 cloves of garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper (to taste)
28 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 cup green or brown lentils
3 leaves kale (stemmed and sliced)
1 lemon (juiced)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large pot until it shimmers. Add the onion, celery, and carrot and stir for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, dried spices, salt and pepper. Stir and toast the spices for 2 minutes.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, broth, and lentils and stir together. Bring that to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover with a lid, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  • You can keep the soup chunky, or use an immersion blender to create a more creamy texture, by spot blending for just a few seconds.
  • Stir in the kale and lemon juice, and simmer for an additional minute or two to soften the kale. Taste the soup, and add any additional lemon juice, salt, or pepper before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421 kcal, Carbohydrate 58 g, Protein 17 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 1825 mg, Fiber 19 g, Sugar 13 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LENTIL SOUP



Lentil Soup image

Hearty lentil soup, chock full of veggies and very yummy. Serve with warm cornbread.

Provided by Bob Cody

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Beans and Peas     Lentil Soup Recipes

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 onion, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups dry lentils
8 cups water
½ cup spinach, rinsed and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vinegar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil; cook for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in lentils, and add water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve stir in spinach, and cook until it wilts. Stir in vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and more vinegar if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.2 g, Fat 10 g, Fiber 22.2 g, Protein 18.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 130.5 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

SLOW COOKER LENTIL SOUP WITH SAUSAGE AND GREENS



Slow Cooker Lentil Soup With Sausage and Greens image

The seasonings in Italian sausage - fennel, red pepper, garlic - pair beautifully with lentils, and here, they make for a punchy take on lentil soup. The sausage's flavors are reinforced by adding more garlic and pepper to the soup itself, for pops of flavor. Pleasantly firm but creamy on the inside, Beluga lentils (also known as black lentils) are worth seeking out for this hearty soup because they hold their shape when cooked, adding a lovely texture. But you can absolutely use regular green or brown lentils instead. Just know that they will fall apart, making the soup smoother. This recipe freezes well and is better after it rests in the refrigerator, so make a big batch to eat for days.

Provided by Sarah DiGregorio

Categories     soups and stews, main course

Time 2h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound hot or sweet Italian pork sausage, loose or removed from its casing
Olive oil, if necessary
1 large red or yellow onion, chopped
Kosher salt
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 thyme sprigs
2 oregano sprigs, leaves only, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Generous pinch of red-pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup dry white wine
1 bay leaf
2 cups dried lentils, preferably black beluga
1 (14-ounce) can whole or chopped tomatoes
8 cups chicken stock
5 ounces greens, such as baby spinach or kale, or 1 medium bunch greens, such as chard or kale, stemmed and chopped
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
Chopped fresh basil, for topping
Grated Parmesan, for topping

Steps:

  • In a large, dry skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is in small, coarse pieces, and starts to brown and sizzle in its own fat, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked sausage to a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. There should be a thin layer of fat covering the bottom of the skillet. If there is much more than that, pour a bit of the fat off. If there is not enough fat to cover the bottom of the pan, add a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Add the onion to the skillet, season generously with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, add garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and garlic powders, the herbs, red-pepper flakes and several generous grinds of black pepper. Stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high, pour in the wine and stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot. Let the wine bubble until the pan is almost dry, about 3 minutes.
  • Scrape the skillet mixture into the slow cooker with the sausage. Add the bay leaf and the lentils. Add the tomatoes with their juice. If using whole, crush the tomatoes into pieces using your hands as you add them with their juice. Pour in the chicken stock. Season generously with pepper and add 1/2 teaspoon salt if you are using low-sodium stock or 1 teaspoon salt if using homemade unsalted stock. Do not add salt now if you are using fully salted stock. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low until the lentils are tender, about 6 to 8 hours. (Taste the lentils to make sure they are firm but creamy on the inside; black lentils can vary in their cooking time depending on their age and the heat of your slow cooker.) The soup holds well on warm for 2 additional hours.
  • Switch the heat to high. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in the greens and cook until wilted and tender, about 2 minutes for baby spinach, 10 minutes for kale. Stir in the vinegar. Serve in bowls, topped with chopped basil and grated Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 694, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 32 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 38 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 1435 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams

15-MINUTE LENTIL SOUP



15-Minute Lentil Soup image

This is a fast, hearty soup for dinner; vegetarians can use vegetable broth.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Soups, Stews & Stocks     Soup Recipes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
14.5 ounces low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
3/4 cup cooked lentils (from a 15-ounce can), rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion softens, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Add lentils and cook until soup thickens slightly, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 16 g, Protein 19 g

BIG-BATCH MARINATED LENTILS



Big-Batch Marinated Lentils image

Stirring a simple vinaigrette into warm just-cooked lentils helps them drink up flavor so they taste anything but plain. Use French green or black beluga lentils as they will hold their shape best. You can keep a batch of these dressed lentils in the fridge and add to salads, pastas, soups, and more all week long.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Lentil     Olive Oil     Vinegar     Honey     Paprika     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Vegetarian     Vegan     Dairy Free

Yield Makes about 5½ cups (8-10 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2½ cups French green or black beluga lentils, rinsed, picked through
3 tsp. kosher salt, divided
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
½ tsp. honey
¼ tsp. hot smoked Spanish paprika or Hungarian sweet paprika

Steps:

  • Combine lentils and 2 tsp. salt in a large saucepan and pour in cold water to cover by at least 1". Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently until lentils are tender but still have some bite (like al dente pasta), about 20 minutes. Drain and return to pot.
  • Meanwhile, whisk oil, vinegar, honey, paprika, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a small bowl or measuring glass.
  • Pour vinaigrette over hot lentils and toss to coat. Let sit at least 10 minutes before serving to give lentils time to absorb flavors from vinaigrette.
  • Do ahead: Lentils can be prepared 5 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.

BIG-BATCH LENTIL SOUP



Big-Batch Lentil Soup image

The inspiration for my version of this soup came from the recipe at left, which I found in "Working Mom" Magazine many many years ago (is it still in print?) It was then published in their out-of-print "Working Mom's" cookbook. What a great jump-off it was! Here's my take: * I use more red peppers (4 - 6) or 4 - 6 of a...

Provided by ann blystone

Categories     Bean Soups

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 Tbsp olive oil
3 onions, chopped
3 red bell peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, minced
1 Tbsp oregano, fresh chopped
1 Tbsp cumin, ground
1.5 tsp coriander, ground
4 c lentils, red or brown, rinsed
92 oz chicken broth
28 oz tomatoes, canned with juice
1.25 tsp salt
1/2 c cilantro, fresh and chopped
LIME CREAM INGREDIENTS
1/3 c sour cream
1 Tbsp lime juice

Steps:

  • 1. Warm oil in large pot over medium heat.
  • 2. Add onion; cook 3 minutes.
  • 3. Add red pepper, garlic, jalapeno, oregano, cumin and coriander; cook 10 minutes, or until vegetables are soft, stirring frequently.
  • 4. Add lentils, broth, tomatoes with liquid (breaking them up with a spoon) and 2 cups water; Bring to a boil.
  • 5. Reduce heat and simmer 20 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally; Stir in salt.
  • 6. Remove 1/3 of the soup to food processor fitted with metal blade; Puree soup by pulsing on-and-off.
  • 7. Stir puree back into soup in pot, along with cilantro.
  • 8. For lime cream: In small bowl, mix sour cream and lime juice; set aside for use on top of soup when served.

BIG BATCH VEGETABLE SOUP



Big Batch Vegetable Soup image

This basic soup can be made with any combination of fresh or frozen vegetables, so it will taste a little different each time you make it. It can be easily doubled or tripled. i got this recipe from Martha's Everyday Food cookbooks - very tasty.

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Clear Soup

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups onions, chopped (whites only) or 2 cups leeks, thinly sliced (whites only)
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons italian seasoning
coarse salt and pepper
3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans reduced-sodium vegetable broth or 3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
8 cups mixed assorted fresh vegetables (such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini, cut larger veggies int) or 8 cups frozen vegetables (such as carrots, corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, potatoes, and zucchini, cut larger veggies int)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions or leeks, celery and Italian Seasoning; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, 5-8 minutes.
  • Add broth, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, and 3 cups water to pot; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes.
  • Add vegetables to pot, and return to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, until vegetables are tender, 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Let cool before storing.

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality lentils: Look for lentils that are whole, plump, and free from blemishes or discoloration. Organic lentils are a good option, as they are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
  • Rinse the lentils before cooking: Rinsing the lentils removes any dirt or debris and helps to prevent them from foaming during cooking.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This recipe calls for a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Feel free to add other vegetables that you have on hand, such as potatoes, parsnips, or turnips.
  • Add spices and herbs to taste: The spices and herbs in this recipe are just a suggestion. Feel free to adjust them to your own taste. Some good options include cumin, coriander, paprika, thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Cook the soup until the lentils are tender: The lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 30 minutes, but may vary depending on the type of lentils you are using.
  • Serve the soup with a variety of toppings: There are many different toppings that you can serve with lentil soup. Some good options include croutons, chopped fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion:

This big-batch lentil soup is a delicious, hearty, and healthy meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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