French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a meal that hits every note—cozy, nourishing, and full of flavor—look no further than this French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken). This recipe is my go-to whether I’m feeding a hungry group on a chilly evening or meal prepping healthy lunches for the week. French green lentils mingle with fresh veggies, aromatic herbs, and the option of shredded chicken, creating a one-pot wonder that’s hearty yet somehow elegant. It’s comfort food with a Parisian twist, and once you try it, I promise it’ll steal a permanent spot in your soup rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) lies in its simplicity—the humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element has a distinct role here, whether it’s building a rich broth, adding depth and heartiness, or providing bursts of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
- Olive oil: Gives a luscious foundation and helps bring out the flavors of the aromatics.
- Onion: Adds essential sweetness and depth as the flavor base.
- Carrots: Lends gentle sweetness and a classic hint of earthiness to the soup.
- Celery: Brightens the flavor and gives an unmistakable savory backbone.
- Garlic: Delivers that irreplaceable savory punch and warmth.
- Dried thyme: Brings in delicate herbal notes that really pop with the lentils.
- Dried rosemary: Offers a piney, unmistakably Mediterranean aroma—don’t skip it!
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness for dimension and color.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the entire pot with mellow, layered flavor as it simmers.
- French green lentils (du Puy lentils): Hold their shape beautifully and deliver earthy flavor and protein.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: See the magic happen with your choice of base—each brings its own nuance.
- Diced tomatoes: Lifts the soup with a little acidity and color—use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best result.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the other ingredients.
- Shredded cooked chicken (optional): Stir in for extra heartiness or keep it vegetarian—it’s fantastic both ways.
- Chopped spinach or kale: Tosses in a pop of green, nutrients, and freshness at the very end.
- Fresh parsley: Finishes the soup with brightness and color—don’t skimp!
- Lemon juice: Awakens the flavors and adds a gentle, tangy lift right before serving.
How to Make French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken)
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery—a classic trio known as mirepoix! Sauté everything together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and you catch that irresistible savory aroma. This step is key for developing a rich, flavor-packed base for your French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken).
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices
Toss in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and let these aromatics toast for about a minute. You’ll notice an instant transformation—the kitchen fills with herby, smoky, and earthy scents, each boosting the next. This extra minute is what takes the soup from good to absolutely crave-worthy!
Step 3: Build the Body of the Soup
Add the French green lentils, pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, then stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring a couple of times—this slow, steady cook softens and flavors the lentils without them falling apart.
Step 4: Add Chicken (Optional)
If you want the heartier, protein-boosted version, stir in the shredded cooked chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The meat warms through and melds with the lentils and vegetables perfectly, making this French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) especially satisfying on chilly days.
Step 5: Finish with Greens and Freshness
Once the lentils are tender, fish out the bay leaf and add your fresh chopped spinach or kale, the parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let the greens wilt for a couple of minutes—they’ll turn vibrant and infuse the soup with extra nutrients and brightness. Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning as you see fit before ladling it into bowls.
How to Serve French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken)
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper are just the beginning when it comes to garnishing French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken). Try a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a dollop of yogurt, or even a spoonful of pesto to lend a little creamy contrast. If you’re feeling extra fancy, top bowls with crispy fried shallots or homemade croutons for irresistible crunch.
Side Dishes
The ultimate pairing for this soup is a slab of really good crusty bread—think toasted sourdough or a rustic baguette, ready to soak up every last drop. You could also serve it with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or even a gooey grilled cheese sandwich if you’re aiming for hybrid comfort food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, ladle the French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) into wide soup bowls, add your garnish of choice, and serve with a lemon wedge on the rim. You can also portion the soup into small mugs or espresso cups for a party starter, or present it family-style in a heavy pot with a ladle, inviting everyone to help themselves at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a dream for meal prepping. Let the French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. The flavors actually deepen and meld after a day, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better on day two!
Freezing
This soup is incredibly freezer-friendly. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick, wholesome meal, just pull a container from the freezer and you’re set! If you’re adding greens, you can stir in fresh spinach or kale after thawing for maximum color and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, splash in a bit of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Reheat only what you plan to eat; repeatedly cooling and heating can impact texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup entirely vegan?
Absolutely! For a fully vegan version of French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken), just stick with vegetable broth and skip the chicken—you won’t miss any depth of flavor, I promise. A wave of fresh greens and that hit of lemon juice deliver all the brightness and satisfaction you need.
How can I make the soup creamier?
If you crave a creamier texture, scoop out a cup or two of the finished soup and blend it, then stir it back in before the greens go in. An immersion blender is quick and easy here, and you’ll get a rich, velvety texture while keeping plenty of hearty bites of lentil and veggies in every spoonful.
Can I use different types of lentils?
French green lentils really shine in this recipe because they stay firm and don’t turn mushy, but you can use brown or regular green lentils in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they might cook a little faster and break down more, giving a softer texture overall.
What kind of chicken works best?
Leftover rotisserie chicken, poached boneless skinless breasts, or even shredded thigh meat all work beautifully. The key is to use cooked, shredded chicken that you can easily stir in toward the end. It mixes seamlessly and keeps the focus on the hearty, French-inspired flavors.
Can I make this spicy?
If you want a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño pepper when you add the aromatics. Smoked paprika already gives a touch of warmth, but a hint of extra spice turns this French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) into a cozy meal with a kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a big pot of French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken)—it nourishes the body and soul, and fills your home with delicious anticipation. Whether you make it meatless or with the bonus of tender shredded chicken, I can’t wait for you to taste how comforting and flavorful this soup truly is. Give it a try, share with friends, and let it become a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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French Lentil Soup (Vegetarian or with Chicken) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty French Lentil Soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a vegetarian option or with added chicken for extra protein. Packed with vegetables and fragrant herbs, it’s a wholesome meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Vegetarian Version:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 cups French green lentils (du Puy lentils), rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Chicken Option:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.
- Cook the Lentils: Add lentils, broth, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in chicken if using, then add spinach or kale, parsley, and lemon juice. Simmer until greens are wilted.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding greens.
- Pairs well with crusty bread.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
