How to Make Lentil Soup! Easy & Quick Soup Recipes!

How to Make Lentil Soup! Easy & Quick Soup Recipes! is a easy Caribbean recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Zee Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 1 hr 17 min | Total: 2 hrs 47 min

Cost: $21.57 total, $5.39 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Brown Lentils (rinsed and soaked for 1 hour)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
  • 1 cup Yam (peeled and cubed (or sweet potato))
  • 2 cubes Chicken Bouillon Cubes (dissolved in soup liquid)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (plain)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, divided)
  • 1 clove Fresh Garlic (minced, added at end)
  • 4 cups Water (enough to fully cover lentils)
  • 1 cup Cassava (optional) (peeled, boiled and cut into sticks)
  • 1 cup Small Pasta (optional) (any short shape, cooked separately)
  • 1/4 cup Grated Cheese (optional) (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions

  1. Soak Lentils

    Rinse the lentils under cold water, then place them in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 1 hour.

    Time: PT1H

  2. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and yam. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside half of the chopped cilantro for later.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Lentils and Water

    Drain the soaked lentils and add them to the pot. Pour in enough water to fully cover the lentils (about 4 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: Simmer

  5. Add Vegetables and Flavorings

    Stir in the diced carrots, cubed yam, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon cubes. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Simmer

  6. Incorporate Herbs

    Add the remaining chopped cilantro and a pinch of dried thyme (if using). Let the soup thicken for another 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Simmer

  7. Finish with Fresh Garlic and Cilantro

    Stir in the extra minced fresh garlic and a splash of fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or extra bouillon if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Serve with Optional Sides

    Serve the soup hot, accompanied by boiled cassava sticks or cooked pasta. Sprinkle grated cheese on top if desired.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Hot

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
5g
Fiber
10g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (omit bouillon or use vegetable bouillon), Gluten‑Free (omit pasta), Vegan (omit bouillon and cheese), High Fiber

Allergens: Dairy (if cheese added), Gluten (if pasta added)

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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How to Make Lentil Soup! Easy & Quick Soup Recipes!

Recipe by Chef Zee Cooks

A comforting, one‑pot lentil soup inspired by Chef Zee Cooks' family recipe. Soaked lentils are simmered with aromatic vegetables, tomato paste, and herbs, then finished with fresh garlic and cilantro. Serve with boiled cassava, or add pasta and cheese for extra heartiness.

EasyCaribbeanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 17m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
18m
Cleanup
2h 45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.57
Total cost
$5.39
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soak lentils for at least 1 hour
  • Sauté onions, celery, and garlic until softened
  • Simmer lentils until soft (about 45 minutes)
  • Add vegetables and bouillon and cook until tender
  • Finish with fresh garlic and cilantro for bright flavor

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter
  • Use oven mitts when lifting the hot Dutch oven
  • Beware of boiling water and steam when covering the pot

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mom's Lentil Soup in Caribbean home cooking?

A

Lentil soup is a staple in many Caribbean households, often passed down through generations as a comforting, nutritious meal that uses affordable pantry staples. Chef Zee Cooks' version reflects the tradition of adding local roots like yam and serving it with cassava, a common Caribbean side.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lentil soup in Caribbean cuisine?

A

Caribbean lentil soups vary by island: some add coconut milk, others use Scotch bonnet peppers for heat, and many incorporate local tubers such as sweet potatoes, yams, or plantains. The base of aromatics and broth remains consistent across the region.

cultural
Q

How is Mom's Lentil Soup traditionally served in Caribbean households?

A

It is typically served hot in a bowl, accompanied by boiled cassava sticks or a side of rice. Occasionally, a sprinkle of grated cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce is added for extra richness and flavor.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Mom's Lentil Soup traditionally enjoyed in Caribbean culture?

A

The soup is popular for everyday family meals, but it also appears at gatherings such as family reunions, church potlucks, and rainy‑day comfort meals when a warm, hearty dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Caribbean lentil soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include brown or green lentils, Caribbean root vegetables like yam or sweet potato, fresh cilantro, and chicken or vegetable bouillon. Substitutes can be red lentils, regular potatoes, parsley for cilantro, and vegetable broth cubes for the bouillon.

cultural
Q

What other Caribbean dishes pair well with Mom's Lentil Soup?

A

Pairs nicely with fried plantains, rice and peas, or a side of sautéed callaloo. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing also balances the hearty soup.

cultural
Q

What makes Mom's Lentil Soup special or unique in Caribbean cuisine?

A

The combination of soaked lentils with creamy yam and the finishing touch of fresh cilantro and garlic creates a silky texture and bright flavor that distinguishes it from thinner broth‑based soups common in the region.

cultural
Q

How has Mom's Lentil Soup evolved over time in Caribbean households?

A

Originally a simple lentil and water stew, families have added tomato paste, bouillon cubes, and local tubers over decades, enhancing flavor and nutrition. Modern cooks, like Chef Zee Cooks, often serve it with cassava or pasta for added heartiness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mom's Lentil Soup at home?

A

Common errors include skipping the soaking step, over‑cooking the garlic so it turns bitter, and adding too much water which results in a watery broth. Also, be sure to season gradually; lentils absorb salt quickly.

technical
Q

Why does this Mom's Lentil Soup recipe use chicken bouillon cubes instead of homemade broth?

A

Chicken bouillon cubes provide a quick, concentrated umami boost without the time needed to simmer a stock, keeping the recipe fast‑track while still delivering depth of flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make Mom's Lentil Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Zee Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Zee Cooks specializes in easy, family‑friendly home cooking with a focus on comfort dishes, quick weeknight meals, and Caribbean‑inspired flavors presented in clear, step‑by‑step videos.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Zee Cooks' approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?

A

Chef Zee Cooks emphasizes minimal equipment, pantry‑friendly ingredients, and shortcuts like bouillon cubes while still honoring traditional flavors, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel

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