Lentil soup is one of those recipes we keep coming back to when training volume goes up, grocery trips feel rushed, and we still want something that does not feel like diet food. We have cooked versions of this soup for years, tweaking it slowly, mostly after long days when we needed something warm, filling, and easy to portion for the next few days.

This high protein lentil soup became a staple during colder months, but it earns its spot year-round. It uses simple ingredients, cooks in one pot, and hits that rare balance of comfort and structure. You get slow-digesting carbs from lentils, plant protein that actually satisfies, and enough volume to feel full without feeling heavy.

A quick fun fact. Lentils have been eaten for over 9,000 years and were one of the first cultivated crops. They fueled civilizations long before protein powders and macro tracking apps. Turns out they still do a solid job today.

We keep this version clean and straightforward. No cream, no tricks. Just real food, cooked with intention, and built to support training days, rest days, and meal prep weeks.

The Real Reason This Soup Satisfies

What makes this soup work for us is how balanced it feels. Lentils bring protein and fiber, vegetables add volume and micronutrients, and the broth keeps everything light. You can eat a big bowl without feeling sluggish afterward.

We also like how flexible it is. You can keep it plant-based, add lean chicken if you want even more protein, or adjust the texture depending on whether you want it chunky or smoother. It reheats well, freezes well, and somehow tastes better the next day.

This is the kind of meal that quietly supports your routine. No hype, no extremes. Just steady fuel.

Which Lentils Work Best for This Soup

For this recipe, we always use brown lentils. They cook evenly, keep their shape, and give the soup that hearty texture we want without turning it into a puree. After about 30 to 35 minutes of simmering, they turn tender but still hold together, which makes this soup ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

Green lentils also work if that is what you have on hand, but they stay slightly firmer and may need a few extra minutes to fully soften. We do not recommend red or yellow lentils here. They break down too quickly and will change the texture into something much creamier than intended.

If you want a thick but still chunky soup, brown lentils are the move.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups dry lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, with juices
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for topping

How to Make This Lentil Soup

1. Build the Flavor Base

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onion looks translucent and lightly glossy.

2. Toast the Spices

Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds. The mixture should smell fragrant, and the garlic should soften without browning.

3. Add Lentils and Liquids

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine everything evenly, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer Until Tender

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally so the lentils do not stick. The lentils should be fully tender while still holding their shape.

5. Finish and Adjust

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice and taste the soup. Adjust salt if needed. For a thicker texture, blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back into the pot.

6. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Protein Breakdown and Portion Size

This soup delivers solid plant protein without relying on any processed ingredients. Lentils carry most of the protein load, while the vegetables add fiber and volume that help with satiety.

One serving equals one generous bowl, approximately 400 g of soup. The nutrition values below reflect one serving, not the entire pot.

How We Store and Reheat It

We often make this soup as part of a Sunday prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes without any texture issues. Portion it into containers while it is still slightly warm and let it cool before sealing.

When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Lentils absorb liquid as they sit, so this helps bring it back to the right consistency.

Easy Tweaks That Work

If you want more protein, add cooked chicken breast or turkey near the end. If you want it fully plant-based but higher protein, stir in cooked chickpeas or red lentils.

For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a small spoon of harissa. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend half of it and keep the rest chunky for texture.

This recipe adapts easily without losing its core purpose.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving size: about 1 1/2 to 2 cups (~400 g)
Total servings per recipe: 4

Our Take on This Lentil Soup

This high protein lentil soup is not flashy, and that is exactly why we love it. It fits into real life. It fuels training, supports recovery, and makes meal prep easier without feeling repetitive.

We always say that consistency beats perfection, and meals like this make consistency easier. One pot, simple ingredients, and a bowl that actually keeps you full. That is a win in our book.

If you are building a routine around clean eating and sustainable habits, this soup deserves a spot.

High Protein Lentil Soup

This high protein lentil soup is hearty, plant-powered, and satisfying without relying on any processed ingredients. Brown lentils simmer with vegetables and spices in a flavorful broth, delivering a balanced meal that works for meal prep, training days, and cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• cutting board
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle (optional, but nice for serving)

Ingredients

  

• 1¼ cups dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 1 bay leaf
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
• Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
• Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened.
   
• Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
   
• Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
   
• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
   
• Remove the bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.

Keyword healthy dinner, high protein soup, lentil soup, meal prep soup, vegan soup, vegetarian soup