March 6, 2026

Red Lentil Soup Recipe – Easy, Healthy & Mediterranean

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Are you looking for a warm and comforting dish? Try this easy Mediterranean red lentil soup recipe, it is both nourishing and easy to prepare . This soup is the perfect to add to your kitchen rotation. It has a rich flavor and wholesome ingredients. Red lentil soup is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens. It is made with simple pantry ingredients like red lentils, onions, garlic, olive oil, and fragrant spices. It comes together quickly while delivering incredible depth of flavor.

Red lentils are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They cook faster than many other legumes and naturally break down into a creamy texture. And to make it extra delicious, add some aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom, and bay leaves . Finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This Mediterranean red lentil soup is a comforting bowl of goodness that’s both hearty and satisfying.

One of the best things about this red lentil soup recipe is how simple it is to make. Everything cooks in one pot, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally vegan, packed with plant-based protein, and pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or a fresh Mediterranean salad.

Whether you’re exploring Mediterranean cooking or simply looking for a cozy homemade soup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

A warm, comforting Mediterranean soup made with red lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This hearty dish is healthy, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 8 people

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients

1 lb red lentils – rinsed
1 1/2 cup carrot – diced
2 medium onion – finely chopped
2 cloves garlic – minced
2 medium tomato – diced
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
2 Bay leaves
Salt – to taste
ground black pepper – to taste
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp crushed red pepper – optional
5 cup water – or vegetable broth
1/2 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley – chopped (optional for garnish))

Method

Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic, and carrot.
Cook for another 2 minutes
Mix in cumin, ground cardamom, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add lentils and water/broth

Add the rinsed red lentils, water or vegetable broth, tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper.
Stir well and bring the soup to a boil.
Then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
Check occasionally and give the soup a stir as needed. If it is getting too thick, add a little bit more water or vegetable broth about ½ to 1 cup more.
Optional step – Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave slightly chunky for texture.
Squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed and stir well.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley right before serving.

Video

What to serve with Mediterranean red lentil soup

Serve warm with:

warm pita bread
drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
sprinkle of red crushed chili flakes
fresh lemon wedges
side of stuffed grape leaves ( Dolma).

red lentil soup in a bowl with olive oil and spices.

If you try this easy Mediterranean red lentil soup recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know what you served it with or how you made it your own. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share it with family and friends who enjoy easy, delicious Mediterranean meals.