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French Lentil and Mushroom Soup Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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