How to Make Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe
This Mediterranean lentil soup recipe is inspired by Greek “Fakes” lentil recipe and is served with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of red wine vinegar. It’s cozy, delicious and best of all easy to make for weeknight dinner. And best of all my kids love it!
Why This Greek Lentil Soup is the Most Delicious Lentil Recipe
As far as soups go, this is as straightforward as a Mediterranean soup recipe can get.
But, what makes this lentil soup a true standout is the way it’s served. Drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar and then topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Inspired by the Greek Fakes lentil soup, the red wine vinegar and the olive oil transform this ordinary vegetarian green lentil soup recipe into a Mediterranean burst of flavors.
If you’re planning to make this easy Mediterranean lentil soup do not skip on these toppings to experience the symphony of flavor.
Everything You Need to Make this Lentils Soup Recipe
- brown lentils
- olive oil
- garlic cloves, minced
- onion, chopped
- carrot, chopped
- celery stalks, chopped
- tomato sauce
- dried oregano
- bay leaves
- dried rosemary
- salt & pepper to taste
Ingredients for Serving
How To Make Lentil Soup
Start with a large pot and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot and celery and cook until the ingredients are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Typically I purchase a package that does not require rinsing or picking out lentils, but if you need to sort and pick out and rinse the lentils before cooking.
Add the green lentils to the pot, and then add your spices. Add water or vegetable stock ( I like to keep this lentil soup vegetarian), and bring to boil.
Stir in the tomato paste, lower the heat and simmer the soup mixture until the lentils are soft.
Is Lentil Soup Good For You?
Lentils help to lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, promote weight loss and are a GREAT source of protein and fiber.
Lentils are good for gut health, lowering blood sugar and fighting heart disease. In terms of health, because lentils are a source of prebiotic fiber, which is the type your gut bacteria prefers, they can help improve gut health, Garrison say
Brown, green, yellow, red or black — lentils are low in calories, rich in iron and folate and an excellent source of protein.
They pack health-promoting polyphenols and may reduce several heart disease risk factors. They’re easily cooked in 5–20 minutes, which — like soaking — reduces their antinutrient content.
If you’re looking for the ultimate weight loss detox lentil soup, check out this lentils recipe.
What Goes Well With Lentil Soup?
You can’t beat a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar on lentils, as well as a hearty sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Another option is to serve with a deliciously fresh baguette or fresh corn bread for dipping into the soup.
Easy Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot and celery and cook translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Rinse and pick out lentils, then pour into the pot.
- Add oregano, rosemary, and bay leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook.
- Stir in tomato paste. Cover and simmer until the lentils have softened, 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add additional water if the soup becomes too thick.
- To serve, drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and red wine vinegar to taste. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Tips & Notes for this Recipe
Can you use cooked or canned lentils?
You can use canned lentils for this recipe. Canned lentils are already cooked. Drain and rinse your lentils and then add them last so they can cook along with all the other ingredients of the soup.
Can you use an Instant Pot for lentil soup?
Yes, you can make this Greek lentil soup in an instant pot. First saute the vegetables for a few minutes, then add lentils and mix all of the ingredients. Add tomatoes, then broth and cook for 15 minutes in your pressure cooker.
Another way to make this easy Mediterranean recipe is to use a slow cooker.
My husband actually prefers to eat this soup in a bowl with rice. This makes for a hearty and delicious meal. While I use green or brown lentils for this soup, you can easily use red lentils to make this recipe as well.