I remember loving this soup in my childhood, even though at the time I…

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add diced carrots, potato, and celery. Stir to coat the vegetables with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly and begin to release their flavors.

🧒 Memory Flashback: As a kid, I never noticed the tiny bits of celery, but now I appreciate how much depth it adds.

Step 3: Stir in Lentils and Spices

Add the lentils, bay leaf, thyme, cumin (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

Lentils not only thicken the soup as they cook but also provide earthy, nutty notes that are deeply comforting.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add the broth or water to the pot, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot loosely and let the soup simmer gently for about 30–40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

During this time, the lentils soften and begin to break down slightly, giving the soup its signature velvety texture.

Step 5: Adjust and Brighten

Once everything is cooked, taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a little extra depth, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar—this brightens the flavor and balances the earthiness.

You can leave the soup chunky or blend half with an immersion blender for a creamier texture (my grandmother never blended hers, but I sometimes do).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Top with chopped parsley or dill for freshness. Serve with crusty bread or a piece of warm flatbread for dipping.

Why This Soup Sticks in the Heart

Even though I didn’t understand the ingredients or the method as a child, I knew this soup made me feel better—when I was sick, tired, or just cold from playing outside. It was humble, but perfect. Recreating it now reminds me of the warmth of home and the unspoken love in a bowl of food made from scratch.

This soup proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something memorable. Sometimes, all it takes is a pot, a few vegetables, a bit of time—and maybe a grandmother standing nearby, softly humming as it simmers.

Would you like a printable version or a variation using chicken or grains instead of lentils?