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A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, rich French lentil soup, garnished with diced carrots, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil. A piece of crusty bread and a small bowl of dry lentils are visible in the background.

Healthy French Lentil Soup

This Healthy French Lentil Soup is a wholesome and hearty dish made with earthy lentils, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs. It’s naturally vegetarian, high in protein, and perfect for a nourishing meal any day of the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: French
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups French green lentils (lentilles du Puy) rinsed
  • 6 cups vegetable broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
To Finish
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar optional, for brightness
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar if using, and adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

This lentil soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.