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    Home > Meal Type > Lunches

    Red Lentil Soup with Lemon and Rosemary

    Updated: Oct 8th 2021 • Published: Sep 3rd 2018 • 43 Comments

    Jump to Recipe SaveSaved!
    4.50 from 26 votes
    Pin image with text at the top and the rustic lentil soup at the bottom

    This vegetarian lentil soup with lemon and rosemary is a soup powerhouse! It's healthy, can be cooked in the slow cooker (crockpot) or on the stove in a dutch oven and is so easy to make. What is more it is low carb and naturally gluten free.

    The lemon and rosemary gives it a freshness, whilst the blended red lentils and vegetables give it a rich creamy texture without the need for cream.

    Perfect for fall; serve this soup for lunch or dinner and don't forget the bread and butter. Unless you are serving it up to your vegan friends, then skip the butter!

    bowl of lentil soup on a rustic table with blue dutch oven in background

    Jump Menu

    • How to make Red Lentil Soup with Lemon
    • Is this Lentil Soup with Lemon and Rosemary healthy?
    • What about dietary restrictions?
    • Red Lentil Soup with Rosemary and Lemon

    How to make Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

    To make this easy soup:

    • first sauté off onions, carrots and celery.
    • add red lentils, rosemary and vegetable broth.
    • cook long and slow to allow the lentils to break down.
    • blend your soup (optional step)
    • add fresh lemon and more rosemary to boost the flavor.
    step by step pictures showing the ingredients being added to the blue dutch oven

    Can I use my slow cooker/crockpot to make lemon lentil soup?

    Yes yes yes!

    I mean is there anything more comforting that coming home to a slow cooker full of delicious warming soup? I have given instructions for both stove top and slow cooker cooking.

    Do I need to cook my onions before adding them to the slow cooker?

    If you have time then I recommend you sauté the vegetables before you put them in the slow cooker (in fact some slow cookers have a sauté option). It adds so much more flavour to the soup. I know it dirties an extra pan, but when you are eating soup for dinner you want it to be the best soup it can be. 😀

    table top view showing the rustic bowl of lentil soup and table with a lemon and rosemary scattered over the table

    Is this Lentil Soup with Lemon and Rosemary healthy?

    It sure is!!! And that is what we want to hear! I mean everyone loves a bowl of healthy lentil soup cooked in the slow cooker!

    A nice large bowl of this soup will only cost you 278 calories and because of the lentils this is a really filling soup.

    I can't guarantee that the bread and butter on the side is healthy though!

    What about dietary restrictions?

    Is this Lentil Soup gluten free?

    100% yes! There are no thickening agents in this lentil soup, the red lentils and vegetables do all the work for you so that makes this naturally gluten free!

    Is this Red Lentil Soup vegan?

    It is sure is! Everything is plant based in this soup, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Just be sure to check your stock. I specify vegetable broth in the recipe and whilst I have never seen a vegetable broth that isn't vegan you just never know. Especially when you thinks that they sometimes use fish to clarify wine (yes really!!!)...you have to wonder about other seemingly vegan ingredients. So to be sure just check your broth is vegan.

    Brown rustic table with a metal cup full of red lentils

    Can the lentil soup be frozen?

    This soup freezes extremely well and tastes just as good when it is defrosted. A few tips for freezing your soup:

    • Allow the soup to fully cool before placing it in the freezer.
    • Portion your soup out before you freeze this. It will defrost more quickly and you won't waste any. (I like to use ziplock bags, but tupperware contains are just as good (and they stack!)
    • If using a container don't overfill it. Water expands as it freezes so make sure you allow some room for this expansion.
    • Make sure you label your bags/containers. Once frozen this is almost impossible to distinguish from chicken and lentil stew or frozen gravy. And you don't want to get the wrong one out for dinner!

    I don't want to freeze it, but how long will the lentil soup keep in the fridge?

    This lentil soup tastes even better the following day! But I wouldn't keep it more than 3 days in the refrigerator. And as with all leftovers ensure it is piping hot before you serve it.

    Close up on the lentil soup showing the fresh rosemary and lemon zest

    Enjoy x

    For other delicious, warming and comforting soups, check out:

    • Spiced Coconut Potato Soup (also vegan)
    • Pasta with Chicken Broth, Butter and Parmesan
    • French Shrimp Soup (which is low cal and so easy to make)
    • Creamy Tuscan White Bean Soup
    • Spiced Coconut Potato Soup
    • Roasted Red Pepper Soup from Emily over at Inside the Rustic Kitchen.



    Get the Recipe

    Blue dutch oven in background with a lemon and zester. Rustic bowl of lentil soup on a linen napkin

    Red Lentil Soup with Rosemary and Lemon

    Claire | Sprinkle and Sprouts
    This vegetarian lentil soup is healthy, easy to make and can be cooked in the slow cooker/crockpot. Plus it is low carb and naturally gluten free. The lemon & rosemary gives it a freshness, whilst the blended red lentils & vegetables give it a rich creamy texture without the need for cream. Perfect for fall; serve this soup for lunch or dinner and don't forget the bread & butter. Unless you are serving it up to your vegan friends, then skip the butter!
    4.50 from 26 votes
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Slow Cooker Option 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Lunch, Main
    Cuisine Modern Australian
    Servings 6
    Calories 278 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 onion
    • 2 carrots
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 2 stalks of celery
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 cup red lentils
    • 3 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary - divided (see note 1)
    • 8 cups vegetable broth
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 lemon

    Instructions
     

    Preparation

    • Peel and finely chop the onions, carrots and garlic.
    • Wash the celery stalks and cut them in half lengthways. Then chop the long sticks into small dice.

    For the slow cooker

    • Optional stage (see note 2)
      Pour the olive oil into a large fry pan and once hot, sauté your onions over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and starting to lightly colour. Add in your carrots and celery garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
    • Add the vegetables, red lentils, 2 teaspoon of the fresh rosemary and vegetable broth to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
    • Give your soup a vigorous stir to create a creamy texture and then add in the seasonings, the zest of the lemon and the additional teaspoon of fresh rosemary.
    • You can blend it at this stage if you wish.
    • Serve immediately or set to keep warm.

    To cook on the stove.

    • Pour the olive oil into a large stock pot and once hot, reduce the heat and sauté your onions over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and starting to lightly colour.
    • Add in your carrots and celery garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes.
    • Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
    • Add the red lentils to the pan along with 2 teaspoon of the fresh rosemary and vegetable broth.
    • Cook over a low heat for 40 minutes until everything has softened.
    • Give the soup a stir every now and then and once it has finished cooking stir it vigorously to give your soup a creamy texture.
    • You can blend it at this stage if you wish.
    • Finish the soup with the seasonings, the zest of the lemon and the remaining fresh rosemary.

    Notes

    1. Fresh rosemary really is king here, but if you only have dried add just 2 teaspoon of dried to the soup before you cook it and then skip the rosemary garnish.
    2. Although sautéing the vegetables before putting them into the slow cooker means dirtying another pan, the flavor it gives your soup is so worth it. But if you are short on time this step is optional.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1320mg | Potassium: 751mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4075IU | Vitamin C: 16.8mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 4.8mg

    Nutrition is per serving

    For more great recipes follow me on PinterestFollow @sprinklessprout

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lily potter says

      August 01, 2023 at 6:36 am

      Curious what makes it so yellow?? The picture caught my eye, now I’m dying to make it!

      Reply
      • Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says

        August 04, 2023 at 2:18 pm

        It is the red lentils, as they cook they mellow in flavor to the beautiful yellow that you see in the pictures 🙂
        Hope you enjoy the soup
        Cx

        Reply
    2. Anna CCE says

      June 20, 2023 at 6:28 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe for meatless Mondays! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says

        September 27, 2023 at 9:25 am

        So happy you enjoyed it 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    3. Marie says

      February 24, 2022 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      Wow! This was amazing! Just using the zest instead of the lemon juice was a great idea. The lemon was there but not overpowering. I'm also glad I used fresh rosemary. I made this on the stove top exactly as directed. I used my immersion blender. I will definitely make this again. Thank you so much.

      Reply
    4. Judy Husband says

      October 09, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      This sounds great but I'm on the fodmap diet. I can only have canned lentils. Will this work?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 25, 2021 at 5:51 pm

        Hi Judy, I have never tried it with tinned lentils. I think it would work flavor wise but I don't know if they would change the texture and thickness of the soup.
        Sorry I can't be more help
        Cx

        Reply
    5. Valerie Smith says

      April 17, 2021 at 6:43 am

      It was so tasty. I loved the combination of flavors. I 'm visiting my Rhode Island family and making it now for them.

      Reply
    6. Cv says

      January 22, 2021 at 12:33 am

      Our you use mint instead of rosemary?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 28, 2021 at 10:43 am

        I haven't tried mint, but I think a small amount could work.
        I would used dried mint rather than fresh mint as I think it would add a more rounded subtle flavor to the soup, and then finish with a little fresh mint at the end.
        Hope that helps 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    7. Vanessa says

      December 24, 2020 at 3:11 am

      Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        December 30, 2020 at 1:06 pm

        It will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it 🙂
        there is more info on storage in the bulk of the post.
        Hope that helps
        Cx

        Reply
    8. Suzanne says

      December 24, 2020 at 3:10 am

      THis looks so good! What a great winter lunch meal prep!

      Reply
    9. Annabelle says

      October 03, 2020 at 6:54 am

      5 stars
      I love this soup!!! Thank you very much for sharing! This recipe is a keeper! 😊

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 14, 2020 at 9:11 am

        Oh I am so pleased you enjoyed it.
        It is a family fav for sure!
        Cx

        Reply
    10. Rena says

      August 18, 2020 at 4:16 am

      5 stars
      This soup is amazing! What a great recipe 😁

      Reply
    11. Kate says

      May 18, 2020 at 9:55 am

      Never tried adding lemon and rosemary! Making this tomorrow and going to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        May 19, 2020 at 5:43 am

        I do hope you enjoy it Kate. It is a fav in our house!
        Cx

        Reply
    12. Meredith says

      January 10, 2020 at 10:18 pm

      Would this work with any color lentil?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 13, 2020 at 5:07 am

        The red lentils break down very easily and thicken the soup. Any lentils will work but you will find that the texture will be a little different. But the flavors will definitely still be there.
        Hope that helps 🙂

        Reply
    13. Claire McEwen says

      February 18, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Hi Rachel, so happy you are loving the soup 😀

      Reply
    14. Christine says

      November 04, 2018 at 8:04 am

      Do you add lemon juice or just the zest? I’m making this right now.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        November 04, 2018 at 8:22 am

        Hi Christine, I just use the zest and then cut the lemon into wedges so people can add it at the table if they like.
        I like a spritz of lemon in mine, but the rest of the family don't 😀

        Reply
    15. Melissa says

      November 03, 2018 at 10:21 am

      Dry or soaked lentils?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        November 04, 2018 at 8:23 am

        Dry lentils 😀
        They cook quickly so don't need soaking for this dish.
        Hope that helps

        Reply
    16. Asa Grogan says

      October 27, 2018 at 12:49 am

      Do you only use the lemon zest, not the lemon juice?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        November 04, 2018 at 8:29 am

        Hi Asa, yes just the lemon zest. I will cut the lemon into wedges and put it on the table for other people to add if they like. I like a quick squeeze but the kids aren't fans of extra lemon 😀

        Reply
    17. E. Borras says

      October 16, 2018 at 12:37 pm

      Would this recipe work in the Instant Pot?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 19, 2018 at 6:37 am

        I haven't tested it in the instant pot, but I would think so.

        Reply
      • Cassie says

        February 07, 2022 at 9:58 am

        I made it in the pressure cooker, I sautéed the veggies and spices with the lid off and it set to chicken/meat (this is the setting with the lid off that I have found best for sautéing) when the veggies are good I add the broth and lentils and put the lid on for 15 mins. It worked perfectly! Added the extra rosemary after, but I didn’t have a lemon, so I am looking forward to trying again with the lemon zest. So yummy 😋

        Reply
        • Claire McEwen says

          May 23, 2022 at 12:11 pm

          So happy you enjoyed it Cassie 🙂
          Cx

          Reply
    18. michele says

      September 10, 2018 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds so good.... and the fact that its naturally creamy with out the dairy creamer to make it creamy makes it a MUST MAKe in my life! I can hardly wait to try it, the lemon add it sounds like the perfect brightener for lentil Soup!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 10, 2018 at 5:08 pm

        Thank you Michele, I hope you love it as much as we do 😀

        Reply
    19. Julie Evink says

      September 10, 2018 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      I love making lentil soup and this was the best recipe yet!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 10, 2018 at 5:08 pm

        Thank you Julie, I am so pleased you enjoyed it 😀

        Reply
    20. Krissy Allori says

      September 06, 2018 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      This looks so easy and delicious! My family will love this!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 06, 2018 at 6:45 pm

        It is a favorite in our house, hope your family love it too 😀

        Reply
    21. Tisha says

      September 06, 2018 at 6:13 am

      5 stars
      Lentil soup is perfect for upcoming fall weather! I love that it is made with Lemon and Rosemary, that combo is perfect together! So comforting!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 06, 2018 at 8:28 am

        Thank you Tisha, I love fall and all the comfort foods that hit the table 😀

        Reply
    22. Denay DeGuzman says

      September 04, 2018 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm...This delicious, cozy lentil soup has all my favorite flavors! I love how simple it was to make. Even my mother asked for this recipe. I'm definitely making this again!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 05, 2018 at 5:49 am

        I am so happy you enjoyed it Denay, isn't it just like a hug in a bowl 😀
        Thank you for passing it on to your mother....I hope she loves it too.

        Reply
    23. Liz says

      September 04, 2018 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      Oooh, I love lentil soup! This recipe is a winner!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        September 04, 2018 at 9:26 am

        Thank you Liz, it really is yummy isn't it.

        Reply

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    I'm Claire and I love food!
    I dream about food and I am happiest when I am in the kitchen cooking. Whether that is dinner for my family, snacks for drinks with my girlfriends or testing new recipes for my site, the kitchen is my happy place. Sprinkles and Sprouts is where I share it all and I am so happy you are here.

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