You know those days when all you want is a big bowl of something warm, comforting, and nourishing? For me, that’s when this lentil soup recipe swoops in and saves the day. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and packed with protein—plus, it’s one of those dishes that just gets better the next day. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for your family or just your hungry self.
I first made this red lentil soup back in college when my bank account was crying, and my stomach was growling. I had a bag of lentils, a few sad-looking carrots, and some spices—and somehow, magic happened. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it, adding a bit of this and a pinch of that. Now? It’s my signature winter warmer.


Yes! Lentil soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then store in airtight containers. For the best texture, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. A top food storage tip: add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up.
Simple! Add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even cooked rice. These additions bulk it up and turn it into a hearty meal. You can also toss in chickpeas for an extra protein punch—one of my favourite easy recipe upgrades.
Ah, classic hiccup. Old lentils can take longer to soften. Make sure your lentils are fresh, and if needed, simmer a bit longer. Adding acid (like lemon juice or tomatoes) too early can slow down cooking, so always add it at the end. That’s one of my go-to cooking hacks.