20-Minute One-Pot Lentil Soup

A hearty, plant-based soup made in one pot with simple ingredients — comforting, nutritious, and ready in just 20 minutes. Lentils provide protein and fiber, while carrots, onion, and herbs create a flavorful base that feels both wholesome and satisfying. This recipe is as practical as it is nourishing: everything simmers together in one pot, making cleanup easy and keeping the focus on comfort. Perfect for weeknights when you crave warmth without effort, this soup delivers steady energy and supports digestion with every spoonful. The balance of earthy lentils, aromatic vegetables, and a squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brings both depth and brightness. It’s a meal that proves simple ingredients can create dishes that feel timeless, grounding, and full of care — the kind you’ll want to return to all season long.

There’s something timeless about a warm bowl of soup. It soothes, nourishes, and feels like comfort in a spoon. This one-pot lentil soup is designed for busy days when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours cooking. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that supports energy, digestion, and overall wellness.

Lentils are the star of this recipe — packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Combined with vegetables and warming spices, they create a dish that is grounding and satisfying. Best of all, everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup as easy as cooking.

Ingredients (serves 4):

1 cup dried red or green lentils, rinsed
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp turmeric
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add cumin and turmeric, stirring until fragrant.
Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.

Tips and Variations:

For extra creaminess, blend half the soup before serving.
Add spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for more greens.
Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread or pita for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts
Quick, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, this lentil soup shows how comfort food can also be incredibly healthy. With just one pot and 20 minutes, you have a dish that warms the body, calms the mind, and brings a sense of balance to your day.