12 Delicious French Lentil Soup Recipes for Cozy Nights

Just imagine wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of French lentil soup, the steam carrying hints of herbs and spices to your nose on a chilly evening. Perfect for those cozy nights in, our roundup of 12 delicious recipes promises comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious newbie, there’s a bowl here with your name on it. Let’s dive into the warmth!

Classic French Lentil Soup with Garlic and Herbs

This hearty Classic French Lentil Soup with Garlic and Herbs is a comforting bowl of warmth. Tender lentils simmered with aromatic herbs and garlic create a deeply flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 6 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in garlic, black pepper, salt, bay leaf, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley.
7. Serve hot. For a creamier texture, blend half the soup and mix back in.

Velvety lentils and aromatic herbs make this soup a standout. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, or top with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Creamy French Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Warm up your kitchen with this hearty, nutrient-packed soup that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in garlic, black pepper, and sea salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and parsley. Cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
7. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Zesty and creamy, this soup boasts a velvety texture with a hint of earthiness from the lentils. Garnish with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Spicy French Lentil Soup with Chorizo

Bold flavors come together in this hearty soup, perfect for chilly evenings. Spicy chorizo and earthy lentils create a comforting bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb spicy chorizo, casing removed and crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to season
• Freshly ground black pepper, to season
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add crumbled chorizo. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Tip: Render the fat slowly for maximum flavor.
3. Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
4. Add lentils, chicken stock, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Season with salt and black pepper. Tip: Adjust spices gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notably thick and hearty, this soup boasts a smoky depth from the chorizo. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

French Lentil Soup with Smoked Bacon and Thyme

Lentils aren’t just for salads. This French Lentil Soup with Smoked Bacon and Thyme transforms them into a hearty, smoky dish perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 4 oz smoked bacon, diced into small pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 6 cups chicken stock, rich and homemade preferred
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for sautéing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced bacon. Cook until crispy and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving fat in the pot.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add lentils and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Simmer uncovered until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
7. Return bacon to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
8. Tip: For a smoother texture, blend half the soup before adding the bacon back in.
9. Tip: If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or stock to loosen.
10. Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra thyme leaves for a fresh finish.

The soup is richly flavored with a smoky depth from the bacon. Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last bite.

Hearty French Lentil and Kale Soup

Makes you feel cozy just thinking about it, this Hearty French Lentil and Kale Soup is a nutrient-packed bowl of comfort. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, it’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Ingredients

– 1 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
– 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, black pepper, and sea salt. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 25 minutes.
5. Remove bay leaf. Stir in kale and lemon juice. Cook until kale wilts, about 3 minutes.

Hearty and flavorful, this soup boasts a perfect balance of earthy lentils and vibrant kale. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or top with grated Parmesan for extra richness.

French Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery

You’ll love this French Lentil Soup for its hearty comfort and simplicity. Packed with nutrients, it’s a perfect blend of earthy lentils and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

– 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
– 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
– 2 celery stalks, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
– 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, black pepper, and sea salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs if desired.

Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup boasts a velvety texture with a robust flavor profile. Try pairing it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Vegan French Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk

Rustic and hearty, this vegan French lentil soup with coconut milk is a comforting bowl of warmth. Perfect for chilly evenings, it’s packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients

– 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
– 1 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
– 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, creamy and rich
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, bright and tangy
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Pour in coconut milk and lemon juice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Tip: For a thicker soup, blend half of it before adding coconut milk. Tip: Toast the spices in a dry pan before adding to deepen their flavor. Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. The soup is creamy with a slight chew from the lentils, offering a balance of earthy and sweet flavors. Try serving with crusty bread for dipping.

French Lentil and Tomato Soup with Basil

Easy to make and packed with flavor, this French Lentil and Tomato Soup with Basil is a hearty dish perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, fire-roasted for depth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• Salt, to adjust seasoning

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in lentils, broth, tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Stir in basil. Season with salt if needed.
6. Tip: For a smoother texture, blend half the soup before adding basil.
7. Tip: Lentils absorb salt, so adjust seasoning at the end.
8. Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra basil for freshness.

Comforting and rich, this soup boasts a velvety texture with a bright finish from the basil. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

French Lentil Soup with Rosemary and Lemon

French Lentil Soup with Rosemary and Lemon is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any season. Filled with earthy lentils, aromatic rosemary, and a bright lemon finish, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients

– 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
– 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
– 1 stalk celery, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp finely ground black pepper
– 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, black pepper, and sea salt.
6. Let soup sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Tip: For a smoother texture, blend half the soup and mix back in.
Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra rosemary for enhanced flavor.
Tip: Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Your soup should be thick with tender lentils, offering a balance of earthy and citrusy notes. Try topping with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

French Lentil and Sausage Soup

Kickstart your meal with this hearty French Lentil and Sausage Soup, a perfect blend of rustic flavors and comforting warmth.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups chicken stock, low-sodium
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
3. Introduce sliced sausage to the pot, browning for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Tip: For deeper flavor, let the sausage edges caramelize slightly.
5. Stir in rinsed lentils, ensuring they’re well-coated with the oil and aromatics.
6. Pour in chicken stock and water, then add black pepper, sea salt, bay leaves, and thyme.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, simmering uncovered for 30 minutes.
8. Tip: Skim off any foam that forms on the surface for a clearer soup.
9. After 30 minutes, check lentils for tenderness; they should be firm but not hard.
10. Remove bay leaves before serving.
11. Tip: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes off the heat to thicken slightly.

Hearty and flavorful, this soup boasts a satisfying texture with the lentils holding their shape amidst the savory broth. Serve with a crusty baguette for dipping, or top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

French Lentil Soup with Spinach and Feta

Vibrant and hearty, this French lentil soup combines earthy lentils with fresh spinach and tangy feta for a comforting meal. Perfect for any season, it’s a nutritious dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, black pepper, and sea salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf and stir in chopped spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Turn off heat and mix in crumbled feta and lemon juice.

Now, the soup boasts a creamy texture with a bright, tangy finish from the feta and lemon. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or top with extra feta for added richness.

French Lentil and Mushroom Soup

Never underestimate the comfort of a hearty bowl of French Lentil and Mushroom Soup. Nutty lentils and earthy mushrooms come together in this simple, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and picked over
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced thickly
• 2 tbsp rich extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium
• 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
4. Add sliced mushrooms, increase heat to medium-high, and cook until they release their moisture and brown slightly, 5 minutes.
5. Pour in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, black pepper, sea salt, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. Tip: For a thicker soup, mash some lentils against the pot’s side.
8. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Tip: Let the soup sit for 10 minutes off the heat to deepen flavors.
9. Serve hot. Tip: Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh thyme leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Unbelievably rich in flavor, this soup boasts a velvety texture with a slight bite from the lentils. Perfect with crusty bread for dipping or topped with a dollop of crème fraîche for a creamy contrast.

Conclusion

Ready to warm your heart and kitchen? This roundup of 12 Delicious French Lentil Soup Recipes is your ticket to cozy, flavorful nights. Whether you’re a lentil lover or new to the game, there’s a bowl here with your name on it. Don’t forget to share your favorite in the comments and pin the recipes you can’t wait to try. Happy cooking!