Greek Red Lentil Soup
Estimated $4.88 recipe · $2.44 per serving (US / USD)
Hearty Mediterranean lentil soup with lemon, olive oil, and crispy onion topping.
The recipe
Greek Red Lentil Soup
Hearty Mediterranean lentil soup with lemon, olive oil, and crispy onion topping.
Ingredients
- 200g red lentils
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 750ml vegetable stock
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Estimated recipe cost
$4.88 for 2 servings · $2.44 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 200g red lentilsPlanning assumption · $1.92 / 454 g · Uses 200g | $0.85 |
| 1 onionRetail benchmark · $2.84 / 1361 g · Retail reference · Assumes 150 g per item | $0.31 |
| 3 garlic clovesRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.22 |
| 1 can chopped tomatoesPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 400 g · Assumes 400 g per can (drained where applicable) | $1.00 |
| 1 tsp cuminPlanning assumption · $2.00 / 60 g · 1 tsp ≈ 2.5g | $0.08 |
| 1 tsp smoked paprikaPlanning assumption · $2.00 / 60 g · 1 tsp ≈ 2.5g | $0.08 |
| 750ml vegetable stockPlanning assumption · $1.50 / 946 ml · Uses 750ml | $1.19 |
| Juice of 1 lemonPlanning assumption · $0.60 / 1 each · Count stated in recipe | $0.60 |
| 3 tbsp olive oilRetail benchmark · $6.12 / 503 ml · Retail reference · 1 tbsp ≈ 15ml | $0.55 |
| Estimated total | $4.88 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion 6–7 min until soft and golden.
- Add the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1–2 min until fragrant.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable stock. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 20–25 min, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are completely soft and the soup has thickened. Add a splash more water or stock if it thickens too much.
- Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir. Taste and adjust salt and seasoning — it should be bright, earthy, and fragrant.
- Serve with a drizzle of good olive oil and crusty bread.
Recipe notes
This soup thickens as it sits — add a splash of water when reheating.
Estimated nutrition per serving
440 kcal · 26g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.