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Balancing Bowls
Balancing BowlsVerified

January 30, 2026

This lemony lentil and chickpea soup is a hearty and healthy dish that's perfect for a chilly day. It's packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of flavor thanks to the fragrant herbs and spices, as well as the bright, citrusy notes of lemon juice and zest.

Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup cover
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Lemony Lentil and Chickpea Soup

Ingredients

Wheat and 2 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
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Begin by prepping the vegetables. Finely chop 2 onions, 1 cup of celery, and 1 cup of carrots. Mince 6 cloves of garlic.
2
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Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots and cook until they're softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10 minutes.
3
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Season the vegetables with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika, ½ teaspoon of coriander, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
4
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Add 2 sprigs of finely chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon of dried oregano) and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme) to the pot and stir to combine.
5
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Add 1 cup of green lentils and ½ cup of quinoa to the pot, followed by 1 can of chickpeas (rinsed and drained). Pour in 4 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable) and 4 cups of water. Toss in 2 dried bay leaves.
6
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils and quinoa are cooked and tender.
7
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Stir in ¼ cup of lemon juice, the zest of 2 lemons, and 2 thin slices of lemon. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the lemon flavor to meld with the other ingredients.
8
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Remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
9
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Serve the soup hot, garnished with ¼ cup of chopped dill. Enjoy!

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Lemon Zest Magic 🍋
    Grate the lemon zest before juicing to maximize flavor intensity and capture the essential oils that add brightness to the soup.
  • Spice Bloom Technique 🌶️
    Toast the dried spices like cumin and coriander in olive oil for 30-60 seconds before adding other ingredients to unlock their full aromatic potential.
  • Legume Prep Pro 🥣
    Soak chickpeas and lentils overnight or use a quick-soak method to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility, ensuring a more tender texture.
  • Herb Layering Strategy 🌿
    Add hardy herbs like thyme and oregano early in the cooking process, and reserve delicate fresh herbs for garnishing just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color.
  • Acid Balance Trick 🥄
    Add lemon juice in two stages - a small amount during cooking and the remaining fresh juice just before serving to create a bright, layered citrus flavor profile.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.

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