Name: Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 3 cups baby spinach, sliced into ribbons (or kale); 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons); 14-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes; 2 cups dry green or brown lentils; 7 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of comfort that feels both hearty and nourishing — and that’s exactly the charm of this Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe. The way the spices mingle with tender lentils and fresh veggies creates a warm hug in every spoonful that I can’t resist sharing with you.

A white bowl filled with thick lentil soup that has a warm brown color with visible small round lentils, diced orange carrots, chopped green leafy herbs, and pieces of tomato. The soup has a slightly chunky texture and is garnished with fresh chopped green herbs scattered on top. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a lemon sliced in half visible in the background on the left, and part of another bowl at the top right corner. Small bits of herbs are sprinkled around the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This soup quickly became my go-to because it’s a perfect balance of creamy texture, bold flavor, and straightforward cooking. Every time I make it, the spices fill my kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes me feel like I’m about to enjoy something really special.

Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items here—just wholesome pantry staples that you probably already have.
Comforting yet healthy: Packed with fiber and protein, it’s nourishing without being heavy.
Customizable texture: You can make it super creamy or keep it chunky depending on your mood.
Easy one-pot meal: Minimal cleanup means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing with your bowl.

A close-up view of a spoon full of thick lentil soup held over a pot. The soup has small, round lentils in a light brown broth mixed with finely chopped orange carrots, translucent onions, and bits of red tomato. Bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The background shows more of the soup with similar textures and scattered herbs, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here is all about the balance—earthy lentils, fresh vegetables, and just the right mix of warm spices that come together effortlessly. And honestly, the way those spices bloom during cooking is what lifts this from everyday soup to something you'll want again and again.

Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, one medium yellow onion whole and peeled, three uncracked brown garlic cloves, two medium orange carrots with green tops trimmed, two pale green celery ribs, a small white bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl holding raw green lentils, a small white bowl with light brown vegetable broth, a small white bowl with a fine mound of warm brown smoked paprika powder, another small white bowl with light beige ground cumin, a small white bowl with pale beige ground coriander, a small white bowl of coarse white salt, a small white bowl filled with fresh dark green baby spinach leaves sliced into ribbons, and one whole bright yellow lemon placed halved to show juicy pulp beside the whole lemon, all arranged symmetrically in realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: This gentle fat helps soften the veggies and carry the flavor of those spices beautifully.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed just right—never skip it!
Garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that’s essential for savory richness.
Carrots: They lend natural sweetness and texture, balancing the earthiness of the lentils.
Celery: Offers a subtle herbaceous note that keeps the broth bright.
Crushed or diced tomatoes: Add acidity and body to the soup, working wonders with the spices.
Dry green or brown lentils: The hearty star of the show, these hold their shape well and soak up flavor.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful base that unites everything—choose a good quality one for best results.
Ground cumin: Provides a smoky warmth that's never overpowering.
Ground coriander: Lightly citrusy and floral, it complements the cumin nicely.
Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness that puts the soup over the top for me.
Salt: Essential for bringing all flavors into harmony—season gradually.
Baby spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end for fresh color and nutrition.
Lemon juice: A splash at the end brightens and lifts the whole bowl in a way you’ll love.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe is how easily it adapts to your preferences or what you have on hand. I’ve played around with it quite a bit—and each time it’s delicious.

Variation: I’ve swapped kale for spinach when I want a bit more chew and bitterness, and both work beautifully.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne—you’ll get that lovely warming kick.
Make it vegan: This soup is naturally vegan, but if you want to add creaminess without dairy, a splash of coconut milk is fantastic for a tropical twist.
More protein: Adding some cooked diced chicken or sausage transforms it into a heartier meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the veggies just right

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently for about 4-5 minutes until everything softens and the onions look translucent—this builds your flavor base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add tomatoes, lentils, broth, and spices

Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices, then add the lentils, 7 cups of vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir to combine. This is where the magic happens as the lentils soak up all those flavors.

Step 3: Simmer and thicken

Bring your pot to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes until those lentils are tender and the soup thickens nicely. If you want it creamier, I love using an immersion blender to pulse it a few times right in the pot. If you don’t have one, blend a couple of cups in a regular blender and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Finish with greens and lemon

Stir in 3 cups of baby spinach (or kale) and the juice of one lemon — it just brightens everything up perfectly. The spinach will wilt almost instantly, so don’t overcook it. Finish with salt to your taste, and you’re ready to serve.

Top Tip

I’ve made this soup countless times, and here are some nuggets I’ve picked up that really make a difference and help you nail it every time.

Building flavor: Don’t skip sautéing the veggies first—this develops a rich foundation that you’ll notice in every bite.
Spice balance: Start with the recommended amounts, but adjust based on your taste buds and the heat of your spices—some batches pack more punch.
Texture tips: Use an immersion blender if you have one—it saves time and gives you control over how smooth or chunky your soup is.
Seasoning timing: Add most of your salt toward the end, especially after blending, to perfectly adjust the flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping the soup with a swirl of plain Greek yogurt or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of creaminess and richness. Sometimes fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro add a fresh pop of color and brightness that balances the warm spices nicely.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or warm pita perfect for dunking always pairs beautifully with this soup. For a lighter meal, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or cozy nights in, serve this in rustic bowls and sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top for texture. I’ve even ladled it into hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests—a fun way to eat and serve all at once.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always let it cool fully before refrigerating to keep the texture just right. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers—just leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat my soup slowly on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickened too much. A gentle simmer helps maintain the creamy texture without burning or drying out the lentils.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, resulting in a mushier soup. If you like a very creamy texture, red lentils work well, but you'll want to reduce the cooking time significantly to avoid overcooking.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

This Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth. Be sure to double-check labels just to be safe. Also, pair with gluten-free bread or crackers if desired.

Can I prepare the soup in advance and reheat later?

Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen when you make it a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. If it thickens too much, add a little broth or water during reheating.

What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

Start with the listed amounts of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika—they provide a mild warmth and smokiness. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes during cooking, tasting as you go to reach your preferred heat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Lentil Soup with Spices Recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s a cozy experience I always come back to when I want something soulful and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, no matter where you are—give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite for you too.