Cozy Lentil & Potato Soup

Name: Cozy Lentil & Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian, Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 Medium onion, diced; 3 Bell pepper, diced small; 2 Medium potatoes, diced small; Optional: Celery or carrot (if you want a classic mirepoix); SEASONINGS:; 1 Tbsp coriander seeds, ground; 1 Tbsp fennel seeds, ground; ¾ Tsp anise seeds, ground; 1 Tsp white peppercorns, ground; 2 Bay leaves; 6 Cloves garlic, sliced; 1 Lemon, zest and juice; Pinch dried chili flakes, ground; STEW BASE; 3 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 Cup French green lentils (rinsed well ); 1 Can crushed tomatoes (no salt added); 4 Cups water ( add extra if needed); 2 Bay leaves; 1 Tbsp Vegetable bouillon paste (instead of salt); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 Tsp smoked paprika; 1 Handful Fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

20 steps

Prep:15minCook:30min

Derek Sarno's lentil and potato soup.

Updated at: Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:24:23 GMT

Nutrition balance score

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Instructions

Step 1

1. Prep the vegetables

Step 2

Dice onions, peppers, and potatoes

Step 3

2. Make the spice-garlic-lemon paste

Step 4

In a mortar and pestle, crush coriander, fennel, anise, white peppercorns, and chili flakes until coarse.

Step 5

Add the sliced garlic and lemon zest. Pound again into a fragrant paste.

Step 6

3. Fry the tomato paste

Step 7

Heat olive oil over medium-high and add 3 tbsp tomato paste. Cook until it starts to darken and caramelizes. Add the spice paste and fry briefly to bloom the aromatics.

Step 8

4. Add the vegetables

Step 9

Add all diced vegetables to the pot. Stir to coat in the tomato-spice mixture and cook until they soften.

Step 10

5. Add lentils and liquids

Step 11

Stir in rinsed French green lentils.

Step 12

Add crushed tomatoes, 4 cups water, lemon juice, and bay leaves.

Step 13

6. Simmer