How to Create Hearty Lentil and Kale Soup in Simple English

Who doesn’t love a warm, hearty soup to fill your belly and warm your soul on cold days? Lentil and kale soup is one of the best choices, packed with protein, nutrients, and flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make, inexpensive, and perfect for anyone—whether you’re a busy cook or just starting out in the kitchen.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to create this delicious soup in simple steps. Follow along and enjoy a wholesome meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep throughout the week!

Why Lentil and Kale Soup?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why lentils and kale are amazing ingredients to include in your soup.

Lentils: Lentils are tiny legumes that are full of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They’re perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy addition to their meals. Plus, lentils cook quickly and soak up all the tasty flavors of the soup.
Kale: Kale is a leafy green powerhouse packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It adds a lovely texture and a mild, earthy flavor to the soup. Not a kale fan? Don’t worry—it becomes tender and blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

With lentils and kale as the stars of your soup, you’ll have a dish that’s healthy, filling, and delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To keep things simple, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Most of these are affordable and may already be in your pantry or fridge:

1 cup of dried lentils (any type—green or brown lentils work best)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
6 cups of vegetable broth (or water for extra simplicity)
1 can of diced tomatoes (or fresh, chopped tomatoes)
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups of chopped kale
Optional: Fresh parsley or lemon for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure everything is ready. Rinse the lentils under running water and set them aside. Chop your onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and kale so they’re ready to add when needed.

Step 2: Cook the Base

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm for about a minute. Then toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Next, add the chopped carrots and celery. Cook everything together for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. These veggies create the delicious base for your soup.

Step 3: Add Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes

Now that your veggie base is ready, stir in your rinsed lentils. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and add the can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid from the can). Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add your spices—ground cumin and smoked paprika—to the pot. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper based on your taste preferences. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil over high heat.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 25–30 minutes. During this time, the lentils will cook and absorb the flavors. Check occasionally and stir the soup to keep everything cooking evenly.

Step 6: Add the Kale

Once the lentils are tender, it’s time to add the kale. Stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for 5–7 minutes. The kale will wilt and blend beautifully into the soup.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If you prefer a tangy flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the soup.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your lentil and kale soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips to Make Your Soup Even Better

Make it creamy: Blend half the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier consistency. Leave some chunks for texture.
Add extra veggies: Throw in potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for more variety.
Boost the protein: Add some chickpeas, tofu, or shredded chicken for an even heartier meal.

Final Thoughts

Lentil and kale soup is a simple and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a quick, healthy option for yourself, this recipe will hit the spot.

Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Cooking is all about creating something that suits your taste and makes you happy. Enjoy your hearty lentil and kale soup!

Do you have any twists or tips you use in your soup recipes? Share them in the comments below!

How to create hearty lentil and kale soup