Name: Lentil and Mushroom Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

Of all the comfort foods out there, there's something truly special about a hot, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day. And when it comes to delicious and nutritious soups, this Lentil and Mushroom Soup recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with protein and fiber, lentils are a staple ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes, and in this recipe, they're combined with savory mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a variety of other vegetables to create a rich and satisfying soup that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

From the Cook

1/10

Lentil and Mushroom Soup

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningLactose and 3 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

In a large bowl, cover the dried mushrooms with hot water and let them soak for 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms and chop. Save the mushroom flavored water.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent about 5 minutes.

Add the sage, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano to the pot. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the lentils, carrots, thyme, fresh mushrooms, and soaked dried mushrooms to the pot. Stir to combine.

Add the chicken broth, the water the dried mushrooms soaked in, white wine, tomato paste, and Parmesan cheese rind to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Remove the Parmesan cheese rind from the pot and discard it.

Add the lemon juice to the soup and stir to combine.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with some fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a slice of crusty bread.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Mushroom Layering Magic 🍄
Rehydrate dried wild mushrooms in hot water first, then use the flavorful mushroom liquid as part of your broth base for an intense umami depth.
Parmesan Rind Technique 🧀
Simmer the Parmesan rind directly in the soup to release rich, complex flavor notes that will elevate the entire dish's taste profile.
Lentil Texture Control 🥣
Add lentils later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture that doesn't turn mushy.
Herb Infusion Hack 🌿
Tie fresh thyme, oregano, and sage together with kitchen twine to create an easy-to-remove herb bundle that infuses flavor without leaving herb fragments.
Aromatic Foundation 🔥
Toast fennel seeds and smoked paprika in olive oil before adding other ingredients to unlock their essential oils and create a deeper, more complex flavor base.

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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.