Greek Red Lentil Soup
This hearty Greek-inspired red lentil soup is an easy, filling recipe — perfect for a weeknight meal! This plant-based stew is packed with chickpeas, quinoa, and plenty of vegetables.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup is so filling and delicious but surprisingly easy to make! I love how the red lentils create a hearty texture in this soup, but they cook much faster than green or brown lentils. The chickpeas and quinoa add additional protein and fiber, so this vegan soup is incredibly filling. The simple combination of spices makes this soup a flavorful meal!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor. You can substitute it with butter or avocado oil, if you prefer.
- Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the soup. You can use a yellow or white onion in this recipe.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture; this is an easy way to add more vegetables to the soup.
- Celery: Adds a mild, savory flavor to the soup. You can omit it if necessary.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor. You can use garlic powder as a substitute (1/4 teaspoon per clove).
- Oregano: This adds a classic Greek flavor to the soup.
- Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor to the soup.
- Red Lentils: These lentils cook quickly and dissolve into the soup, thickening it. Do not substitute brown or green lentils, which cook differently.
- Quinoa: Adds protein and a bit of texture. You can substitute with couscous, rice, or barley for similar results.
- Chickpeas: Adds protein and a nutty flavor. You can use white beans such as cannellini beans or great northern beans as substitutes.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth of flavor. You can use fresh tomatoes or crushed tomatoes as a substitute.
- Vegetable Broth: The base of the soup; provides flavor and liquid. I like Edward & Son’s “not chicken” broth which has a lot of flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the soup. You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.
- Kale: Adds a hearty, leafy green element. You can substitute with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens for a similar effect. Be sure to remove the kale stems, as they’re too tough for this soup.
Why I Love Red Lentils
As a vegetarian, I love red lentils because they’re a great source of plant-based protein! They’re also an excellent source of fiber, which means this soup will really fill you up. Plus, red lentils cook faster than other types of lentils, so it’s great if you’re short on time! If you’re looking for another way to use them, try my Immunity Boosting Soup!
Are red lentils healthy?
Yes! Red lentils are very healthy. They’re a great source of protein and fiber and they’re rich in folate and potassium. They’re also a source of iron, which is especially great for vegans and vegetarians! Red lentils are convenient to keep in the pantry because they last a long time and are inexpensive. You can typically find them at the grocery store near the dried beans.
I love how easy this soup is to make as well as how much flavour it has. Will be making this regularly through the winter!
I am so excited for soup weather, and this soup looks right up my alley! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I am going to be making it tomorrow 🙂
AMAZING! I’ve tried a few lentil soups but this one is my favorite! It’s packed full of veggies and it’s very tasty!
Such a pretty, and hearty, fall soup. We enjoyed it for dinner with a nice crusty loaf of bread 🙂
The flavors of this soup were outstanding! I’ve been trying to serve my family more plant based meals and this one was a winner-you do t even miss the meat! The lentils are hearty and filling and the spices and veggies made this so comforting and cozy on a cooler night. Delicious! I may make a second batch to freeze for later this month.
I’ve made many kinds of red lentil soup… Turkish, Indian, etc. however I have never made it Greek style until now. So glad I have another way to enjoy my favourite pulse crop, especially when it also includes kale!
I just love a hot bowl of soup, the textures and flavors of this were really good, especially with my fresh drop biscuits.
I adore red lentils so I knew that this simple dish was going to be a hit with me. I really loved how easy it was to throw together for a hearty dinner.
Healthy veggies, quinoa, chickpeas and lentils. This is surely a comfort meal. Best for a light Dinner any day.
My husband is picky about certain foods, but fortunately not lentils! This is a great soup.