Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe

December 14, 2025
Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe

Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe is comfort in a bowl. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. It’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

The ingredients for Ina Garten lentil soup are simple. You probably have most of them already. This recipe is easy to follow.

Even beginners can make it perfectly. How to make Ina Garten lentil soup takes just one hour. The result is a delicious, warming meal.

Your family will ask for seconds. This Ina Garten lentil soup recipe has become my go-to. It’s healthy, filling, and absolutely delicious. Let me show you how to make it.

When I First Discovered This Recipe

I found this recipe on a chilly winter evening. I was looking for something warm and healthy. Ina Garten’s recipe caught my eye immediately.

The ingredients looked simple but promising. I decided to give it a try. My kitchen smelled amazing while it cooked.

That first spoonful was pure magic. The flavors were rich and comforting. My husband couldn’t stop raving about it.

Now I make it every month. It’s become a family favorite forever.

Ina Garten Lentil Soup

Equipment List

  • Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Lentil Soup

  • 2 cups green or brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water.
  • Drain them well and set aside.
  • Chop all your vegetables into small pieces.
  • This makes cooking faster and easier.
  • Mince the garlic finely for best flavor.
  • Having everything ready makes cooking smooth.
  • Heat olive oil in your large pot.
  • Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes.
  • They should become soft and translucent.
  • Add carrots and celery to the pot.
  • Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the minced garlic and thyme.
  • Cook for just 1 minute more.
  • Pour in the chicken broth slowly.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot.
  • Stir in the rinsed lentils now.
  • Drop in the bay leaf for flavor.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Bring everything to a rolling boil.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low temperature.
  • Cover the pot with a lid.
  • Let it simmer for 35-40 minutes.
  • The lentils should become tender but not mushy.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
  • Stir in the red wine vinegar.
  • This brightens all the flavors perfectly.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Ladle into warm bowls to serve.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Lentil Soup

  • Don’t skip rinsing your lentils first.
  • This removes any dirt or debris.
  • Use good quality broth for better flavor.
  • Low-sodium broth lets you control saltiness.
  • Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
  • They’ll cook evenly this way.
  • The red wine vinegar is crucial.
  • It adds brightness to the soup.
  • You can make this soup ahead.
  • It tastes even better the next day.
  • Store it in the fridge properly.
  • It keeps well for 5 days.
  • Freeze portions in airtight containers.
  • They last up to 3 months frozen.

FAQs About Ina Garten Lentil Soup

Q: Can I use red lentils instead?

A: Red lentils cook faster and get mushy. Green or brown lentils work best here.

Q: Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

A: Yes, just use vegetable broth instead. The flavor stays rich and delicious.

Q: Can I add meat to this?

A: Absolutely! Try adding cooked sausage or bacon. Add it during the last step.

Q: How do I make it thicker?

A: Mash some lentils against the pot. Or add less broth initially.

Q: What goes well with this soup?

A: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. A simple green salad completes the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten lentil soup recipe is a keeper. It’s simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. The ingredients for Ina Garten lentil soup are affordable.

You can feed a crowd without stress. Learning how to make Ina Garten lentil soup is worthwhile. It’s a skill you’ll use again and again.

The soup freezes beautifully for meal prep. Make a double batch and thank yourself later. Your family will love this comforting dish.

It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try this week. You won’t regret it, I promise.

More Amazing Recipes

Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe

Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe

Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe is comfort in a bowl. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days. It's packed with flavor and nutrition.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoon
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups green or brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water.
  • Drain them well and set aside.
  • Chop all your vegetables into small pieces.
  • This makes cooking faster and easier.
  • Mince the garlic finely for best flavor.
  • Having everything ready makes cooking smooth.
  • Heat olive oil in your large pot.
  • Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes.
  • They should become soft and translucent.
  • Add carrots and celery to the pot.
  • Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add the minced garlic and thyme.
  • Cook for just 1 minute more.
  • Pour in the chicken broth slowly.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot.
  • Stir in the rinsed lentils now.
  • Drop in the bay leaf for flavor.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Bring everything to a rolling boil.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low temperature.
  • Cover the pot with a lid.
  • Let it simmer for 35-40 minutes.
  • The lentils should become tender but not mushy.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
  • Stir in the red wine vinegar.
  • This brightens all the flavors perfectly.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Ladle into warm bowls to serve.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Don’t skip rinsing your lentils first.
  • This removes any dirt or debris.
  • Use good quality broth for better flavor.
  • Low-sodium broth lets you control saltiness.
  • Chop vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
  • They’ll cook evenly this way.
  • The red wine vinegar is crucial.
  • It adds brightness to the soup.
  • You can make this soup ahead.
  • It tastes even better the next day.
  • Store it in the fridge properly.
  • It keeps well for 5 days.
  • Freeze portions in airtight containers.
  • They last up to 3 months frozen.
Keyword Ina Garten Lentil Soup Recipe

Tasha Velez
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My name is Tasha Velez. I love food and traveling! I'm lucky to be married to the man of my dreams. We have a sweet little girl who makes everyone smile!