
A lower-calorie way to make Lentil Soup
Lentil Soup: sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables
Lentil Soup: sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve. red lentils, carrots, celery, onions, tinned tomatoes. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables.. This measured British recipe serves eight at about 285 kcal per portion.
Lentil Soup should remain recognisable after it is lightened. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve. red lentils, celery, vegetable stock. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, cumin, lemon. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve.
What changes—and what stays
From a restaurant portion with unmeasured oil and sides often reaches 600–800 kcal to 285 calories
sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; 24 g oil for eight portions; the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, cumin, lemon. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; 24 g oil for eight portions; the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. | onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, cumin, lemon. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve. |
How the flavor stays
onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, cumin, lemon. the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve.
A cost rule that survives inflation
red lentils, carrots, celery, cumin, lemon. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve. Lentil Soup.
Ingredients for 8
Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.

- 700 gred lentils
- 450 gcarrots
- 300 gcelery
- 220 gonions
- 160 gtinned tomatoes
- 120 mlvegetable stock
- 8 gcumin
- 10 glemon
Method
Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.

Step 1 · follow the visible cue
Prepare the measured ingredients
sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve: red lentils, carrots, celery. Measure and prepare them so they cook evenly.
Look for: red lentils, carrots, celery: the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. They should be evenly sized and free of excess surface moisture.

Step 2 · follow the visible cue
Build the defining flavour
onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock: the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. Combine them in the order that builds flavour without scorching.
Look for: onions, tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock: sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve. Look for rounded aromas with no burnt specks or separated oil.

Step 3 · follow the visible cue
Cook with controlled heat
Lentil Soup — sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; cumin, lemon. Add them while controlling heat and moisture.
Look for: the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables; cumin, lemon, Lentil Soup. The final accents should remain visible and balanced.

Step 4 · follow the visible cue
Finish and verify the texture
the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. Rest briefly, make one final texture check, and divide Lentil Soup into eight portions.
Look for: Lentil Soup: sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables. No unwanted water or fat should pool at the edge.

Calories at the same serving size
150 kcal · 34% lower estimated
The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 8 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.
Keep the leftovers in the same spirit
Cool Lentil Soup promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the needed portion until piping hot, keeping crisp or fresh parts separate.
Cool Lentil Soup promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the needed portion until piping hot, keeping crisp or fresh parts separate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare Lentil Soup ahead?
Yes. Prepare and chill the base in advance, but complete the final cooking, crisping, or dressing close to serving so the intended texture is preserved. Cool Lentil Soup promptly and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat only the needed portion until piping hot, keeping crisp or fresh parts separate.
Does the calorie estimate for Lentil Soup include sides?
No. It covers one of eight portions made from the listed measured ingredients; drinks, bread, rice, sauces, and other sides are counted separately. sweat the vegetables, toast cumin, and simmer until only part of the lentils dissolve; 24 g oil for eight portions; the broth coats a spoon but still contains distinct vegetables..

- red lentils700 g
- carrots450 g
- celery300 g
- onions220 g
CaloNote · mobile analysis example
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Photograph the finished plate in CaloNote, review the detected ingredients and portion, and correct the estimate before saving.
This uses the real CaloNote meal-detail layout with this recipe’s photo and estimated nutrition. Actual AI results vary with the photo and portion.
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Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial
This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.
Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026
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