Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try this Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup blends the sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the hearty, earthy goodness of lentils, all simmered in a fragrant, herb-infused broth. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and packed with flavor—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe plays its part to create that perfect balance between hearty and fresh. Plus, a few pointers on picking them up will save you from second-guessing at the store.

• Onion: A yellow or white onion works best here for that sweet, mellow base flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really wakes up the soup with pungent warmth.
• Carrot: Adds subtle natural sweetness and texture—make sure to dice it to cook evenly.
• Celery stalk: Provides a great aromatic backbone; fresh and crisp is ideal.
• Large sweet potato: I usually opt for orange-fleshed varieties; they add a lovely creaminess when cooked.
• Vegetable broth: Use a good quality broth or homemade if you can for the best depth of flavor.
• Green lentils: They hold their shape nicely, unlike red lentils which break down quickly—great for texture.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and brightness, bringing the soup to life.
• Bay leaves: Just a couple will impart subtle herbal notes.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage): Fresh is best but dried can do in a pinch; they elevate the flavor beautifully.
• Chopped fresh kale: Adds earthiness and vibrant color—feel free to swap with spinach if that’s what you have.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste—this step personalizes your soup perfectly.
• Vegan croutons & pumpkin seeds: My favorite toppings for added crunch and nuttiness, totally optional but highly recommended!

Variations

I love how versatile this soup is—you can easily tweak it to your taste or dietary needs without losing any of the heartiness. Let me share a couple of ways I like to mix things up.

• Swap Lentils for Beans: Once I didn’t have lentils on hand, so I used canned chickpeas instead—added them at the end so they kept their shape perfectly.
• Greens Variation: Kale is my go-to, but sometimes I switch it out for spinach or even Swiss chard depending on what’s fresh in my fridge.
• Herbs Adjustment: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried thyme, rosemary, and sage are great substitutes—just use about one-third the amount.
• Spice It Up: Throw in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a gentle smoky warmth that I found really compliments the sweetness of the potatoes.

How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat—this keeps it lighter than oil but still prevents sticking. Add your chopped onion, diced carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté those for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything softens and smells amazing. Don’t rush this step; it’s where a lot of your flavor begins. If you notice things starting to stick, just splash in a little more broth, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.

Step 2: Add Sweet Potatoes and Let Them Soften

Next, toss in your cubed sweet potatoes and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. This helps them break down a bit during the simmering and meld into the soup. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally, adding a bit more water or broth if needed so nothing burns at the bottom.

Step 3: Pour in Broth, Lentils, and Tomatoes

Now, add the vegetable broth, green lentils, canned diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and your herbs—fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage all go in here. Give everything a good stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes. This long simmer is key to cook the lentils fully and get that rich, cozy flavor locked in.

Step 4: Finish with the Kale and Season

Once the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender, remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped kale. Let it sit for 5 minutes—the residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly without overcooking them. Finally, fish out the bay leaves, season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste, and get ready to serve.

How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds on top—they add this wonderful nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. Vegan croutons are a must for me, too, bringing a crisp texture and a little extra bite. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of coconut yogurt can make the bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Because this soup is so filling, I often serve it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty whole grain bread to soak up every last drop. On colder days, garlic naan or warm pita bread also pair wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve entertained with this soup by serving it in small mason jars as a cozy starter alongside a charcuterie board. For family dinners, ladling it into colorful bowls with edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs on top really makes it pop. These little touches create a warm, inviting vibe that’s great for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated soup taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Just be sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick after refrigerating or freezing, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to the perfect soup consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that effortlessly comforts and nourishes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own, whether you stick to the classic or add your favorite twists. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite around here.

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