Easy Lentil Potato Soup

This Easy Lentil Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The soup is rich in flavor, featuring tender lentils, soft potatoes, and sweet carrots in a savory vegetable broth. A touch of tomato paste adds depth, while the short pasta makes it extra satisfying. It’s simple to make, nourishing, and sure to warm you up on any day.

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Ingredients for Easy Lentil Potato Soup

• Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, olive oil is known for its rich, fruity flavor. It adds depth and smoothness to sautéed vegetables and forms the base of many soups and sauces.
• Onion: Onions provide a savory, slightly sweet flavor when cooked, acting as the foundation for many dishes. They add a depth of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
• Carrots: Carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. When cooked, they soften and add a subtle sweetness that balances savory flavors.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated and rich, tomato paste adds a deep, umami flavor to dishes. It enhances the overall taste of soups and stews by adding a robust tomato flavor.
• Potatoes: Potatoes are hearty and starchy, adding a comforting, creamy texture to soups. They soak up the flavors of the broth and make the dish more filling.
• Green or Brown Lentils: These lentils are nutritious and hearty, adding protein and fiber to the soup. They hold their shape well when cooked, providing a satisfying, slightly earthy flavor.
• Vegetable Stock: A flavorful broth made from simmered vegetables. It forms the base of the soup, adding depth and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, bringing balance to the dish.
• Black Pepper: With its sharp, pungent flavor, black pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity to the soup, enhancing its overall taste.
• Elbow Pasta or Any Short Pasta: Small pasta shapes add heartiness to the soup, making it more filling. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a pleasant texture to each bite.

Choosing the Right Lentils for Easy Lentil Potato Soup

• Green Lentils Green lentils are medium-sized, with a firm texture and a slightly peppery flavor. They hold their shape well during cooking, making them perfect for soups where you want the lentils to remain distinct. Green lentils are an excellent choice for Easy Lentil Potato Soup because they provide a hearty texture and absorb flavors beautifully without becoming too soft.
• Brown Lentils: Brown lentils are the most common type, with a mild, earthy flavor. They cook faster than green lentils but still hold their shape fairly well. Brown lentils are also a great option for this soup. They offer a slightly softer texture compared to green lentils and are readily available in most grocery stores.
• Red Lentils: Red lentils are small, quick-cooking lentils that break down easily, creating a creamy texture. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, red lentils can be used, though they will dissolve into the broth rather than remain whole. They’re great if you want a smoother, more velvety soup.
• Yellow Lentils:  Similar to red lentils, yellow lentils cook quickly and break down into a creamy consistency. They have a slightly nutty flavor. Yellow lentils can be used if you want a soup with a creamy, thick texture. Like red lentils, they will lose their shape during cooking.
• French Green Lentils (Lentilles du Puy): French green lentils are smaller and darker than regular green lentils, with a rich, peppery flavor. They have a firm texture and hold their shape very well. French green lentils are ideal if you want a soup with a firmer texture and a more complex flavor. They are a bit more expensive but worth it for their superior taste and texture.
• Black Lentils (Beluga Lentils): Black lentils are small, shiny, and resemble caviar. They have a deep, earthy flavor and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. While black lentils can be used in this soup, they are more commonly used in salads and side dishes where their unique appearance can be showcased. They are less traditional for this type of soup but offer a unique twist if you want to experiment.

Best Choices for Easy Lentil Potato Soup: For a classic, hearty soup, green or brown lentils are the best choices. They hold their shape, provide a satisfying texture, and blend well with the flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients. If you prefer a creamier soup, red or yellow lentils are great options, but they will create a thicker, more blended consistency.

How to Make Easy Lentil Potato Soup

1. Make the base: In a large saucepan, over medium heat, heat the olive oil, add onion and carrots. Cook for 5 - 6 minutes until slightly soften. Add tomatoe paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Add potatoes and cook for 1 - 2 minutes, stirring so potatoes get slightly crispy but don't stick to the pot.
2. Cook the lentils: Add the lentils and stock. Bring to boil then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 25 - 30 minutes or until potatoes and lentils are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the pasta: In the meanwhile, add water to a small saucepan and cook pasta according to package instructuins. Drain and set aside.
4. Serve: Add soup and pasta to the plate and serve.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Lentil Potato Soup

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Grated Cheese: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère cheese. The cheese melts into the hot soup, adding a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the hearty lentils and potatoes.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish the soup with freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill. The herbs add a burst of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens the dish.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to each serving for a creamy, tangy contrast to the earthy flavors of the lentils. This also adds a cooling element that complements the warmth of the soup.
• Simple Green Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens provide a nice contrast to the hearty, warm soup, making for a balanced meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or root vegetables. The caramelized, savory flavors of the roasted veggies complement the soup’s earthy notes and add extra nutrition to the meal.
• Toasted Seeds or Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts on top for added crunch and a boost of healthy fats. They add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the soup.
• Avocado Slices: For a creamy, rich addition, top the soup with a few slices of ripe avocado. The avocado’s smooth texture and mild flavor pair wonderfully with the hearty lentils and potatoes.