Mediterranean-Style Lentil Soup
Prep Time
12 minsCook Time
39-40 minsFree Time
to go for a bike ride
Easy, healthy, and even tastier the next day, this lentil soup checks all the boxes for the perfect weeknight meal. Protein-packed legumes and lentils cook down into a thick stew that's punctuated with tart sun-dried tomatoes. The flavors only intensify over time, so make sure to cook a large batch.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Large Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (60g ) finely chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped fennel
- ½ cup (60g) finely chopped carrot
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups (1000ml) vegetable stock
- 1 cup (200g) crushed tomatoes
- ¾ cup (150g) green or brown lentils
- ½ cup (50g) roughly chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 cup (160g) canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- Black pepper, as needed
- Fresh dill, chopped, as needed
Preparation
- Combine olive oil, onion, fennel, carrot, garlic, and tomato paste in an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted) and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the salt, stock, crushed tomatoes, lentils, and sundried tomatoes, and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 33-34 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Note: you may start with 4 cups of stock and add the remaining 2 cups in the last 5 minutes as the water is absorbed.
- Add the beans and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until all ingredients are hot. Season with black pepper. If you like your soup slightly brothier, add a bit more stock to your liking.
- To serve, sprinkle freshly chopped dill over the soup and enjoy.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Sausage and lentil soup: Add some Italian sausage with the vegetables for extra richness and flavor.
- Veggie swap: Substitute the fennel with red bell peppers or chopped cabbage for a different texture and taste.
- Extra greens: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for an added boost of vegetables.
- Crunchy croutons: Top with homemade garlic croutons or toasted pita chips for added texture and crunch.
Recipe notes
- It is important to cook grains uncovered to prevent spillover.
- To save time, substitute raw lentils with double the amount of cooked, canned, and drained lentils.
- Swap cannellini beans for your favorite canned beans like black, kidney, pinto, or garbanzo.
- For a fresher, more delicious flavor, try tomato confit instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Mediterranean- Style Lentil Soup in the Microwave
What is Mediterranean-style Lentil Soup?
Mediterranean-style lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with protein-rich lentils, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel, and cannellini beans. This soup blends Mediterranean ingredients with a rich tomato base, making it both filling and nutritious. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, and the flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier when enjoyed the next day.
Can I cook Mediterranean-style lentil Soup in the microwave?
Yes! You can cook this soup in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This microwave method allows for faster cooking while still maintaining the rich, layered flavors of this dish. With the Anyday lid, you lock in moisture and ensure that the lentils and vegetables cook evenly. You can go from raw ingredients to a delicious, hearty soup all in one dish, reducing cleanup and time.
How long does Mediterranean-style lentil Soup last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an Anyday dish with the lid on, this soup can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The flavors improve as the soup sits, so it’s ideal for making ahead of time. To reheat, microwave in the Anyday dish for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Can I freeze Mediterranean-style lentil Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well and is a great option for meal prep. Use our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to portion and freeze the soup for up to 4 months. The lids on our trays keep the soup fresh and prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply add the soup to an Anyday dish and microwave for 1–2 minutes per portion, or until heated through. For more tips on freezing and reheating with Anyday, explore our blog here!
Is Mediterranean-Style Lentil Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. It’s made with whole ingredients like lentils, beans, vegetables, and stock, with no added gluten-containing grains. Just be sure to use a gluten-free vegetable stock if you're avoiding gluten, as some store-bought stocks may contain gluten-based additives. Discover more gluten-free recipes by exploring our collection **here!**
Can I make Mediterranean-style lentil Soup without beans?
Yes, you can omit the cannellini beans if you prefer, and the soup will still be delicious. If you’re looking to keep the soup hearty without the beans, you can add more lentils or other vegetables like zucchini or spinach. The beans add a creamy texture and extra protein, but the soup is flexible enough to adapt to your preferences. Discover more bean and grain recipes by exploring our collection **here!**
