Lentil Soup with Kale
Cozy up with a bowl of hearty, wholesome soup.

Yields:
4 serving(s)
Total Time:
1 hr
Cal/Serv:
360
This hearty, make-ahead soup is comfort food with staying power—thanks to fiber-rich lentils, leafy kale, and a secret umami boost from marinara sauce and Parmesan rind. Whether you make it stovetop or in a multicooker, the result is a deeply flavored bowl perfect for chilly nights. Don’t skip the pesto ciabatta on the side—it’s the finishing touch.
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Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp.
olive oil
- 1
medium onion, chopped
- 2
medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2
ribs celery, chopped
Kosher salt and pepper
- 4
cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup
favorite marinara sauce
- 1 cup
whole brown Spanish lentils, picked over
- 1
2-inch square Parmesan rind (or whatever you have), plus grated Parmesan for serving
- 2
bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp.
reduced-sodium vegetable bouillon base (we used Better Than Bouillon)
- 1
bunch lacinato kale (about 8 oz.), stemmed and chopped
Toasted ciabatta rolls, for serving
Pesto, for serving
Directions
- Step 1Heat oil in medium Dutch oven on medium. Add onion, carrots, celery, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook uncovered, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add marinara sauce and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Step 2Add lentils and stir to coat. Add Parmesan rind, bay leaves, and 5 cups water, then whisk in bouillon base until incorporated and bring to a simmer. Cover and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, 45 to 55 minutes.
- Step 3Add kale and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and discard Parmesan rind and bay leaves. Serve with grated Parmesan and toasted ciabatta spread with pesto if desired.
Multicooker Directions:
- Step 1Press Sauté on multicooker and heat oil. Add onion, carrots, celery, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 minute. Add marinara sauce and cook until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add lentils and stir to coat. Add Parmesan rind, bay leaves, and 5 cups water; whisk in bouillon base until incorporated. Cover, lock lid, and cook on high pressure 15 minutes. Use natural-release method for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Stir in kale, then cover and let sit until wilted, 3 minutes. Discard Parmesan rind and bay leaves. Serve with grated Parmesan and toasted ciabatta spread with pesto if desired.
RECIPE TIP: This soup freezes well, portioned in individual serving containers that are airtight.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving): About 360 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated), 4 mg cholesterol, 1,000 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrates, 13 g fiber, 6.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 17 g protein
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