A bowl of Grandma’s Lentil Soup is more than just a comforting meal — it’s a taste of home, love, and heritage. Packed with hearty lentils, tender potatoes, and vibrant greens, this soup has been passed down through generations. Its flavor is rooted in simplicity, yet it’s rich enough to rival any restaurant dish.

Whether you’re warming up on a cold winter evening or seeking a nourishing, plant-based option for lunch or dinner, this lentil soup is a go-to classic. It brings together pantry staples in the most satisfying way, and it gets better with each simmer, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully.

What Kind of Lentils Should I Use?

For Grandma’s Lentil Soup, green or brown lentils are ideal. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a lovely earthy flavor. Red lentils tend to break down and create a mushier texture, which is great for pureed soups, but not this one. If you prefer a slight bite in every spoonful, go for green.

Ingredients for the Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Lentils
The star of the show! Lentils add protein, texture, and bulk to the soup. Choose green or brown varieties for the best bite.

Potatoes
They bring heartiness and absorb the savory flavors of the broth. Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully.

Spinach (or other greens)
This adds a pop of color and a layer of earthy nutrition. Kale or Swiss chard can be swapped in, but spinach softens quickly.

Tomatoes
Whether fresh or canned, tomatoes add a bright acidity that balances the soup.

Onions & Garlic
These aromatic basics provide the foundational flavor that brings the soup to life.

Carrots & Celery
The classic duo for any good soup base, adding subtle sweetness and crunch.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the base vegetables and enrich the soup with healthy fats.

Vegetable Broth
Infuses the lentils with savory depth. You can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.

Herbs & Spices
Bay leaves, cumin, paprika, and thyme make the soup fragrant and warming.

Salt & Pepper
Always to taste, to bring all the flavors together.

How To Make the Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Toss in your chopped tomatoes (or canned, if using), along with cumin, paprika, thyme, and a bay leaf or two. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the spices can bloom and infuse the veggies.

Step 3: Stir in Lentils and Broth

Pour in your rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils begin to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

Add in diced potatoes and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This is where the soup gets that hearty, rustic character.

Step 5: Stir in the Greens

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, toss in your spinach or chosen greens. Stir until wilted and vibrant. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bay leaves, then ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Drizzle with a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness if desired.

Serving and Storing Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Serve Grandma’s Lentil Soup piping hot, straight from the pot, with a crusty slice of sourdough bread or warm pita on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a swirl of olive oil on top adds just the right finish. It makes an ideal main course or a filling starter for any dinner.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients (except greens) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the spinach in the last 30 minutes.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! It uses vegetable broth and no animal products. Just double-check your broth label to ensure it’s plant-based.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard all work beautifully. Just keep in mind that tougher greens need a little more time to soften.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Sure. Sausage, diced ham, or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein. Brown the meat first for best flavor.

Do I need to soak the lentils beforehand?

No soaking needed! Green or brown lentils cook directly in the broth. Just rinse them well before using.

How can I thicken the soup if I want it heartier?

You can mash a portion of the lentils and potatoes in the pot or let the soup simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Want More Soup Ideas That Soothe the Soul?

If you loved the warm, hearty flavor of Grandma’s Lentil Soup, here are a few other comforting soups and savory dishes you might enjoy:

Creamy Shrimp Chowder with a rich, velvety texture and seafood twist.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta — not a soup, but just as cozy and flavorful.
Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup that brings a Mediterranean vibe to your table.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup if you want a meaty option with cheesy indulgence.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for a little global flair with warming spices.

These dishes are perfect for family dinners or meal-prepping your week with cozy, nourishing meals.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can always come back to it.

And if you made Grandma’s Lentil Soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you go with spinach or another green? Did you add sausage or keep it simple?

Leave a comment below and share your delicious tweaks! And don’t forget to follow my Life with Nina Pinterest for more soul-warming recipes and cozy eats.

Grandma’s Lentil Soup

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This cozy bowl of Grandma’s Lentil Soup is filled with nourishing lentils, tender potatoes, and savory vegetables simmered in a perfectly seasoned broth. It’s hearty, wholesome, and full of old-fashioned flavor — ideal for cold evenings, meal prep, or when you need something soothing and satisfying.