A hearty, healthy lentil soup recipe with bold Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cost per Serving: Around $1.25
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 220 kcal
This healthy Greek red lentil soup is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of bold Mediterranean flavor.
Say hello to one of my go-to weeknight soups! It uses quick-cooking red lentils, canned tomatoes, and just the right mix of spices—yet the flavor tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The garlic, cumin, and lemon give it that classic Greek soulfulness, while a touch of harissa (if you like heat!) adds just the right kick.
This homemade red lentil soup is vibrant, comforting, and deeply satisfying. And yes—it’s a million times better than anything canned or store-bought. If you’re not convinced yet, try it once… and let the lemony, velvety magic win you over.
Why you will love Greek Red Lentil Soup
This soup is everything I want in a cozy, feel-good meal: it’s warm, filling, flavorful, and just so easy. It comes together in one pot with no complicated steps, and yet the taste is something you’d expect from a slow-simmered, passed-down recipe.
The red lentils cook quickly and become silky-soft, creating a naturally creamy texture—no blender, no dairy needed. The cumin and coriander give it earthy depth, while fresh lemon juice brings a bright, fresh finish that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s hearty enough to serve on its own, but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Plus, it’s totally plant-based and budget-friendly, which makes it a no-brainer for weeknights.
Honestly? It’s one of those recipes I didn’t expect to love this much. But now, I find myself craving it whenever I need something nourishing, comforting, and really satisfying.
How to make Greek Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Exact ingredient amounts are listed below in the printable recipe card.
Red Lentils: These cook quickly and break down just enough to create a velvety, hearty texture without the need for blending. Make sure to rinse them well before cooking to remove any bitterness and help them cook evenly.
Onion: A medium yellow onion adds a mellow sweetness that forms the base of flavor. If you prefer something sharper, a red onion can work too, but it may shift the balance slightly.
Garlic: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me—it’s just right. When sautéed gently in olive oil, the garlic mellows and brings a warm, savory depth to the soup.
Cumin + Coriander: These two spices are the soul of this soup. Earthy, aromatic, and deeply comforting, they bring that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth that makes each bite feel like home.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are perfect here—juicy, slightly tangy, and easy to keep on hand. They add body, brightness, and balance to the red lentils.
Vegetable Broth: This is your soup’s base, so choose a broth with good flavor. If you’re using the Instant Pot, you’ll need a little less liquid.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice stirred in at the end wakes everything up. Don’t skip it—it brings just the right pop of acidity and ties all the flavors together.
Harissa Paste (Optional): If you like a little kick, a spoonful of harissa adds smoky heat and complexity. It’s completely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy bold flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to sauté the aromatics and carry the spices beautifully. Use the good stuff if you have it.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: A handful of chopped herbs at the end makes the whole dish feel fresh and vibrant. It’s the finishing touch that adds color and a clean herbal note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by grabbing your largest soup pot or Dutch oven—you’ll want something roomy since this soup simmers up beautifully. Set it over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Once the oil is warm, toss in the diced onion. Let it soften gently, stirring now and then, until it turns translucent—about 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part. A slow sauté brings out the onion’s natural sweetness.
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it smells rich and fragrant but not browned. Now’s the time to add the ground cumin and coriander. Let the spices bloom in the oil for a minute—they’ll become toasty and earthy and give the soup its signature depth.
Step 2: Add the Core Ingredients
Pour in the rinsed red lentils, then stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices. The lentils will look tiny now, but don’t worry—they’ll plump up and soften as they cook. Add the vegetable broth and give everything a good stir.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat so it simmers steadily. Cover the pot loosely and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils are tender and the soup starts to thicken naturally.
Step 3: Brighten It Up
Once the lentils are cooked and everything smells amazing, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice—it really wakes up all the flavors. If you’re using harissa paste, add it now, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste. It adds a subtle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Serve and Finish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro. If you like, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil over the top for a silky finish. This soup is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with warm pita or crusty bread.
Recipe Tips for the Best Greek Red Lentil Soup
Rinse those lentils
Before you do anything else, give the red lentils a quick rinse under cold water. It only takes a minute, but it removes any dust or tiny debris and helps the lentils cook more evenly. I usually swish them around in a bowl with my hands and drain them through a fine-mesh strainer.
Sauté the spices—don’t skip this
Once your onions and garlic are in the pot, take a moment to toast the cumin and coriander. This step might seem small, but it makes a big difference. The spices become warmer, deeper, and way more flavorful. You’ll smell the shift almost instantly—it’s that moment when your kitchen starts to smell like something really good is about to happen.
Go heavy on the lemon
This soup loves acid. I always start with the recommended amount, then add a splash more just before serving. That extra hit of lemon at the end lifts the entire dish. If you have a fresh lemon, zest a little over the bowl for a bright, citrusy note.
Want it creamier?
Use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup right in the pot. Just a few pulses will do—it gives the soup a velvety feel without losing all the texture. You can also blend half and leave the rest chunky if you like a mix of both.
Don’t forget the herbs
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving adds color and a pop of fresh flavor. If you’ve got mint, it’s lovely too. I keep a little bundle of herbs in a jar of water in my fridge, just for soups like this.
Make it your own
This recipe is super flexible. Add diced carrots, a handful of baby spinach, or even a swirl of coconut milk if you’re in the mood for something creamier. The soup welcomes whatever you have on hand.
Leftovers? Even better.
This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days and tastes even better the next day. I usually make a double batch and freeze half in individual containers—perfect for busy weeks when I need lunch or dinner in a flash.
When to Serve It & What to Pair It With
This Greek red lentil soup is the kind of meal that fits just about anywhere in your week—it’s light enough for lunch, cozy enough for dinner, and somehow feels just right whether it’s sunny or stormy outside.
I love making it on weeknights when I need something warm and nourishing but don’t want to spend a lot of time chopping or cleaning. It’s also a great Sunday meal-prep option since it holds up well in the fridge and gets even tastier the next day.
If you love lentils as much as I do and want to try another bold, cozy option, you’ll enjoy this version too: Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Roasted Red Pepper .
Serve it solo or dress it up:
- With warm pita or crusty bread — Perfect for dipping and scooping up every last bit
- Next to a Greek salad — Think cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of feta
- Topped with a spoonful of Greek yogurt — For a little creaminess and a cool contrast to the spices
- With roasted veggies — Carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower roasted in the oven pair beautifully with the soup’s bold, earthy flavors
- As a starter — It makes a lovely first course if you’re doing a Mediterranean-inspired dinner at home
Honestly? You don’t need much. A bowl of this soup, a little something on the side, and you’ve got a meal that feels thoughtful without being fussy.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
1. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven
You’ll need a sturdy pot to sauté the aromatics and simmer the soup evenly. I use a 5-quart Dutch oven—it holds everything comfortably and cooks gently without burning the bottom.
Tip: Enamel-coated cast iron holds heat beautifully and looks great on the stove, too.
2. Fine Mesh Sieve (for rinsing lentils)
Red lentils are small and can slip through regular colanders. A fine mesh strainer makes it easy to rinse them quickly and thoroughly—no lost lentils down the drain.
It’s also great for rinsing quinoa, straining broth, or even dusting powdered sugar (if you bake, too).
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Greek Red Lentil Soup
Is Greek red lentil soup healthy?
Yes, it’s incredibly healthy. Greek red lentil soup is naturally rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate. It’s low in fat, completely vegan, and made with simple ingredients like lentils, tomatoes, and olive oil. If you’re looking for a healthy lentil soup recipe that feels both nourishing and satisfying, this one checks all the boxes.
Do red lentils need to be soaked before cooking?
Nope! One of the best things about cooking red lentils is that they don’t need soaking. Just rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust or starch, and they’re good to go. They cook fast—usually within 20 to 25 minutes—and become naturally creamy as they break down.
Can I make this Greek red lentil soup in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the sauté function to cook the onion, garlic, and spices first. Then add the rest of the ingredients (except the lemon juice and herbs), reduce the broth to 4 cups, and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Let it release naturally for 10 minutes, stir in the lemon juice at the end, and you’re done
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Greek red lentil soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I love freezing single servings so I can pull one out on a busy day for a quick, healthy lunch.
Print
Greek Red Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek red lentil soup is a hearty, healthy, and flavor-packed one-pot meal made with red lentils, tomatoes, cumin, and lemon. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this Mediterranean-inspired soup comes together in under 40 minutes using mostly pantry staples. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or meal-prep favorite, satisfying and nourishing without being heavy.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion (preferably yellow), finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon of ground cumin for depth and warmth
1 teaspoon of ground coriander for subtle citrusy notes
1 ½ cups of uncooked red lentils, well rinsed under cold water
1 can (14 oz or 400 g) of diced tomatoes, including the juice
5 cups of vegetable broth (reduce to 4 cups if using pressure cooking)
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
Harissa paste (optional), added according to your heat preference
A handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and coriander, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Add harissa paste to taste if using. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
No need to soak the red lentils—just rinse them well to remove excess starch. For a creamier soup, purée part of it using an immersion blender. This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. Adjust the lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavor just before serving. Add extra veggies like carrots or spinach if you want to bulk it up.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1bowl
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
Keywords: Greek red lentil soup, healthy lentil soup recipe, vegan lentil soup, red lentils recipe, Mediterranean lentil soup, cooking red lentils, easy lentil soup recipes, plant-based soup, one-pot dinner
If you’ve been looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and nourishing from the inside out, this Greek red lentil soup is exactly what your weeknight dinner rotation needs. It’s a feel-good dish that brings together everything I love about cooking: simple ingredients, bold Mediterranean flavors, and real nutrition.
What makes this healthy lentil soup recipe so special is how it manages to be both hearty and light, creamy without cream, and full of protein and fiber—all from one humble ingredient: red lentils. Whether you’re vegan, cooking on a budget, or just want something warm and satisfying without a ton of prep, this one’s a keeper.
It’s the kind of easy lentil soup recipe that fits into busy days and still feels thoughtful. Plus, it’s so versatile: add greens, spice it up with harissa, or mellow it with coconut milk. It’s the kind of soup that adapts to you.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me if you share it—your twists, toppings, and family-approved versions always inspire me.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this Mediterranean red lentil soup brings you warmth, nourishment, and that quiet joy of a really good homemade meal.