Lentil Soup

Sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents, and this lentil soup is proof of that. I'd just moved into a new apartment and was craving my usual blended lentil soup when I realized my blender was buried somewhere in an unpacked box. Rather than dig through everything, I decided to just let the soup simmer longer and serve it chunky - and that decision completely changed how I make lentil soup forever. The unblended version had a hearty, stew-like quality that was so much more satisfying than the smooth purees I'd been making for years.

This lentil soup represents my personal evolution as a home cook, where I learned that sometimes breaking the rules leads to better results. Every lentil soup recipe I'd ever encountered insisted on blending at least partially, but my accidental chunky version proved that wasn't necessary at all. The long, slow simmer allows the lentils to break down naturally, creating a thick, hearty base while still maintaining some texture. It's more of a stew than a soup, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

What makes this lentil soup particularly special is how the extended cooking time develops deep, complex flavors that quick-cooking versions simply can't achieve. The vegetables melt into the broth, the lentils become perfectly tender, and everything melds together into something greater than the sum of its parts. I've added a touch of gochugaru for warmth and zucchini for extra vegetables, making this my own unique take on a Mediterranean classic.

In my kitchen, this lentil soup has become a cold-weather staple that I make in big batches to enjoy throughout the week. It's the kind of soup that tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry, and it freezes beautifully for those nights when you need comfort food fast. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you have a complete, nourishing meal that costs almost nothing to make.

Why You'll Love This Lentil Soup

• Hearty, stew-like consistency without blending

• Budget-friendly and packed with protein

• Gets better as it sits - perfect for meal prep

• Freezes beautifully for easy weeknight dinners

• Naturally vegan when made with vegetable broth

• Warming spices add depth without overwhelming

• Simple ingredients, extraordinary flavor

What is Lentil Soup?

Lentil soup is a hearty, protein-rich soup made by simmering lentils with vegetables and aromatics until tender. This version skips the traditional blending step, resulting in a chunky, stew-like consistency that's deeply satisfying and showcases the natural texture of the lentils.