Spiced Puy Lentil Soup

A hearty, aromatic soup with earthy puy lentils and warm spices like garam masala and turmeric. Perfectly satisfying and packed with plant-based protein.

By Ricky Robinson Updated January 6, 2026

This spiced puy lentil soup is the sort of meal that warms you from the inside out. Puy lentils hold their shape beautifully when cooked, giving the soup a lovely hearty texture that's more substantial than your average bowl. The combination of garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander creates layers of warmth without being overwhelming, while the fresh ginger adds a gentle heat that builds as you eat.

Cooking the spices for a full 10 minutes before adding the lentils releases their essential oils and deepens the flavour of the entire soup.

The key to getting the best flavour is taking time with the spice base. You'll fry the onions first until softened, then add all your ground spices and cook them for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. This step is crucial—it transforms the raw spice powders into something rich and fragrant. Once you add the lentils and stock, the soup practically cooks itself.

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Spiced Puy Lentil Soup

What makes this soup particularly satisfying is how the lentils break down slightly during cooking, thickening the broth naturally while still maintaining some texture. The blending step is optional—you can blend it completely smooth for a more refined soup, or just blend half for a chunky-smooth combination that gives you the best of both worlds.

This recipe makes enough to serve 4-6 people generously, and it's exactly the sort of meal that's perfect for batch cooking. The soup actually improves after a day or two in the fridge, as the spices continue to develop and meld together. Serve it with warm naan bread for scooping up every last bit, and don't skip the fresh coriander garnish—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to all those warm spices.

Spiced Puy Lentil Soup

Total Time 55 min
Servings 5 servings
Calories 285 cal
Protein 18g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large Pan
  • Knife
  • Ladle
  • Chopping Board
  • Blender

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.

  3. 3

    Add all the spices (garlic powder, garam masala, ground coriander, chilli flakes, ground cumin, turmeric, and fresh ginger) and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

  4. 4

    Add the puy lentils and stir to coat them completely in the spiced onion mixture.

  5. 5

    Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a hand blender or food processor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Return to the pan and reheat gently. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh coriander, and serve with warm naan bread.

Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months—defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm naan bread or crusty sourdough for dipping. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of coconut milk makes a lovely cooling contrast to the spices. Fresh lime wedges on the side add a bright, zesty finish.

Spiced Puy Lentil Soup

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