French Lentil and Mushroom Soup Recipe

Introduction

This French Lentil and Mushroom Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Combining earthy mushrooms with tender French green lentils creates a rich and satisfying flavor. It’s easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups French green lentils (lentilles du Puy), rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, allowing them to release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Step 4: Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use French green lentils (lentilles du Puy) for the best texture, as they hold their shape well during cooking.
• Add a splash of dry white wine while cooking the mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
• For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in.
• Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The flavors often improve after a day or two, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?

While you can use other lentils, French green lentils are recommended because they hold their shape well and provide a firm texture. Red lentils tend to break down and create a creamier soup.

Is this soup suitable for vegans?

Yes, this recipe is fully vegan when using vegetable broth and does not contain any animal products.

French Lentil and Mushroom Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 147 reviews

A hearty and flavorful French Lentil and Mushroom Soup featuring French green lentils, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory vegetable broth. This comforting soup is seasoned with thyme, bay leaf, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, garnished with fresh parsley, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any day.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetable Mixture:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Mushroom Mixture:

• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

Other Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups French green lentils (lentilles du Puy), rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing its aroma to develop without burning.
3. Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown, enhancing their flavor.
4. Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in the rinsed French green lentils, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape.
6. Finish Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in balsamic vinegar and season with salt and black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh taste. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use French green lentils (lentilles du Puy) for the best texture as they hold their shape well and don’t become mushy.
• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well.

Keywords: French lentil soup, mushroom soup, vegetarian soup, healthy lentil recipe, French green lentils, easy soup recipe