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    Home » Recipes » Soup and Stew Recipes

    Spicy Lentil Kale Soup Recipe

    Published: April 9, 2018 Updated: June 24, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 44 Comments

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    Bowl of lentil and kale soup garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

    This spicy lentil kale soup is hearty, delicious and pretty budget friendly. Made in one pot for easy cleanup, it’s like a little bowl of goodness for your tummy!

    Bowl of lentil and kale soup garnished with parmesan cheese.

    This soup was made for Monday. Monday gets a bad rap sometimes. But, think about it. If there wasn’t a Monday, then Friday wouldn’t be so special. Monday is taking one for the team. And if Monday wasn’t a thing, would Tuesday be the new Monday? This is too much for today.

    This spicy lentil soup is totally on the healthier side so it helps wipe away any weekend indulgences … that’s what I tell myself at least. 

    Totally ate too much this past weekend. Fries? Yes, please! Bacon and eggs? Sure! You had that extra glass of wine. Why not? 

    You had a busy week. You  don’t even want to look at those skinny jeans Monday morning; it’s not gonna happen. No worries, fill yourself with this goodness, and get yourself set for an awesome week!

    In my opinion, it’s all about balance. If you can’t indulge every once it a while (especially on the weekend), then that’s no fun at all. A little indulgence here, a little healthier there. Nothing complicated, just like this lentil and kale soup.

    Ingredients for a lentil vegetable soup recipe.

    Why We Love Spicy Lentil Kale Soup

    • It tastes delicious!
    • This soup is loaded with veggies, like kale, which adds flavour and heartiness.
    • It’s pretty budget friendly with simple pantry staples, like red lentils.
    • Uses ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
    • It’s made in one pot for easy cleanup.
    Bowl of lentil and kale soup.

    What To Serve with Soup

    • Grilled cheese sandwich
    • Simple green salad
    • Crusty bread for dunking
    • Croutons (delicious over top of the soup)
    A steaming spoonful of soup with broth dripping into a bowl.

    I don’t know about you, but I could eat soup all year long, even in the summer. And it’s weird because I like to say I run hot. Like, I’m usually always warm. But, offered a bowl of comforting soup and I’m all in. Hope you love this lentil soup as much as we do! It’s great on a cold day!

    More Yummy Veggie Soups

    • Asparagus Soup With Spinach and Lemon
    • Curried Carrot With Coconut Milk
    • Easy Mushroom Soup

    If you make this spicy lentil soup recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    This lentil kale soup was originally published in July 2015 but has been updated.

    Bowl of lentil and kale soup.

    Spicy Lentil Kale Soup Recipe

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This spicy lentil kale soup is a hearty, delicious and pretty budget friendly. Made on one pot for easy clean up, it's like a little bowl of goodness for your tummy.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Lunch, Main Course, Soup
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 166 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 to 2 red Thai chili peppers, minced (or to taste)
    • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced about ¼-inch thick
    • 2 ribs celery, sliced about ¼-inch thick
    • ¾ teaspoon dried herbs, use a mixture of oregano and thyme
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
    • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, blend tomatoes with an immersion blender or roughly mash with a potato masher to break up before using
    • ½ cup dried red lentils, picked over (remove and discard any rocks, foreign objects and imperfect lentils), rinsed and drained
    • 6 cups chopped kale (bite-size pieces, leaves only, no stems)
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar
    • Grated Parmesan cheese, garnish to taste (optional)

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. (I used an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven.)
    • Add onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes.
    • Stir in garlic and chili peppers and cook about 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
    • Next, add carrots, celery, herbs, salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
    • Add broth, can of tomatoes and lentils. Stir.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat (to about medium-low heat) to a simmer. Cook, covered, for 5 minutes. Next, stir in kale and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes.
    • Stir in balsamic vinegar.
    • Serve and garnish with Parmesan cheese (if using). Enjoy!

    Nutrition (estimate only)

    Nutrition Facts
    Spicy Lentil Kale Soup Recipe
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    166
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    1
    mg
    0
    %
    Sodium
     
    699
    mg
    30
    %
    Potassium
     
    901
    mg
    26
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    28
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    7
    g
    29
    %
    Sugar
     
    9
    g
    10
    %
    Protein
     
    9
    g
    18
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    10339
    IU
    207
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    97
    mg
    118
    %
    Calcium
     
    186
    mg
    19
    %
    Iron
     
    4
    mg
    22
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Based on 1 serving.
    Nutrition information provided is an estimate only.

    Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword lentil soup, soup with kale

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sasha @ Eat Love Eat

      April 17, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      5 stars
      This soup looks so tasty! Perfect comfort food as we transition into spring!! I looove lentils and kale 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 18, 2018 at 1:45 pm

        Thank you Sasha 🙂 Me too!

        Reply
    2. Marlee

      April 17, 2018 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      I love the feel of this soup! I am very much broth-based soup kind of girl. And I’m always trying to find new ways to cook lentils so this is perfect!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 17, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        Thank you Marlee 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try this one out!

        Reply
    3. Thao @ In Good Flavor

      April 13, 2018 at 10:56 pm

      I’m always running cold, so a hot bowl of soup is always welcomed! This healthy soup IS the perfect recover food after a weekend of overindulgence. I’m definitely going to keep it on my radar the next time I enjoy my weekend a little too much!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 14, 2018 at 12:04 pm

        Haha – good idea 😉 Thanks Thao!

        Reply
    4. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      April 12, 2018 at 10:18 am

      5 stars
      There’s nothing better than a one pot meal full of delicious goodness! This looks like a satisfying meal!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2018 at 7:57 pm

        So true! Thanks Kathy! If you do get that snow, this would be just perfect 😉

        Reply
    5. Kevin O'Leary

      April 11, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      I can’t wait to curl up with a big bowl of this!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2018 at 7:50 pm

        With cold temps still lingering, I hear ya Kevin 😉

        Reply
    6. Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale

      April 11, 2018 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      The ingredient combination in this soup is so wholesome. It is a great way to sneak in some kale. I love the beautiful colors. I am eating clean this week. I will have to try this. Thank you dear!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 12, 2018 at 7:49 pm

        Thank you Katie!! Good luck with your clean eating…this soup should help 😉 XOXO

        Reply
    7. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      April 10, 2018 at 12:20 am

      Dawn – I had a super indulgent weekend too and this soup is exactly what I need to detox my poor body!! With healthy recipes like these, at least you don’t have to feel toooo bad about those fries you ate 😉
      I have all of the ingredients except the kale for this soup – which can easily be remedied! Can’t wait to try it, especially since it’s still soup weather outside!!! XO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

        Haha – so true 😉 And glad I’m not the only one!! I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one, Katherine! Thanks so much 🙂 XO

        Reply
    8. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      April 09, 2018 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      I like both lentils and kale, but I don’t think I’ve ever combined them in one dish. I’ve never tried kale soup either. This is something that I absolutely need to try!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

        So good, Ben! Nice and hearty for sure 🙂

        Reply
    9. Dana Sandonato

      April 09, 2018 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so wonderful and hearty! I love throwing a big batch of kale into soup. It just makes it THAT much more wholesome and feelgood.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:57 pm

        Thanks Dana! Kale really adds a lovely heartiness, doesn’t it?

        Reply
    10. Pam Greer

      April 09, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      I was just reading in Prevention magazine that lentils have more fiber than any other pulses! I love this soup and like you I can eat soup all year round!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:56 pm

        Yay for lots of fibre! Thanks Pam! Hope you get a chance to try this one out 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jill

      April 09, 2018 at 4:46 pm

      5 stars
      Looks like a really delicious soup. We’re still getting snow here in April so I’m still all about soups to warm me up!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:56 pm

        Thanks Jill! Snow here too! Where is spring? 😉

        Reply
    12. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      April 09, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      5 stars
      This is totally the perfect soup for a Monday! I love that it’s one pot and uses pantry staples! And I’m with you Dawn. I could totally eat soup year round! Especially one that is light but hearty like this one! Happy Monday!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:55 pm

        Thanks Leanne! It’s so cold and windy out all I wanna do is curl up with a big bowl of hot soup. C’mon spring already 😉

        Reply
    13. Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme

      April 09, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      I saw this on Instagram! It looks so delicious and filling. And I got those chilies in the fridge right now, what a good use for them!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:54 pm

        It sure is 🙂 Thanks so much, Britt! The chili really adds a nice little heat 😉

        Reply
    14. Sharon

      April 09, 2018 at 4:03 pm

      5 stars
      When it comes to soup I am under the ‘the simpler the better’ frame of mind. This soup has everything i’m looking for vegetables, a nice broth and also good for me.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:54 pm

        Me too, Sharon! Happy you like this one 🙂 Thank you!

        Reply
    15. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      April 09, 2018 at 2:04 pm

      5 stars
      Such a perfect soup! I love soups like this that are so tasty, but so full of goodness. You can feel that with every spoonful!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:53 pm

        Thanks a bunch, Jennifer!! Appreciate that 🙂

        Reply
    16. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      April 09, 2018 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      I think I’ll need a bowl of this when I get home from Florida Dawn! Sounds like the perfect warm up for the chilly weather! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:52 pm

        That sounds like a plan!! Thanks so much, Mary Ann! Hope you have a lovely week 🙂

        Reply
    17. Shashi at SavorySpin

      April 09, 2018 at 11:49 am

      Hahaha – I’ve gotta agree with you, Dawn – Monday sure does get a bad rap – but (like you said) if there wasn’t a Monday, Friday wouldn’t be special at all! So yes to Monday is taking one for the team … and I don’t wanna think of Tuesday being the new Monday – I’d rather drown in a big bowl of THIS soup! Going through your ingredients, this sounds so delicious and so comforting (lentils were comfort food for me growing up) – a bowl of this and some chunky bread and I’m a happy camper!
      Hoping you are doing well and your week is off to a wonderful start! XOXO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:50 pm

        Definitely 😉 Yes! Chunky bread and this would be total comfort food! Have a wonderful week, my friend! XOXO

        Reply
    18. Milena

      April 09, 2018 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      I dig lentils anything, so this soup is happening, We are having issues with the weather, it is all confused as to what to do…right now seems like not wanting to let winter go away so your soup, especially with the heat element:) sounds perfect! I am the opposite of you, I always run cold, lol.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:49 pm

        Woo hoo! Happy to hear that! And I hear ya about the weather – super cold and windy here today and absolutely no sign of spring. A good bowl of soup is in order 😉 Thanks Milena!

        Reply
    19. David @ Spiced

      April 09, 2018 at 9:47 am

      It’s still quite chilly here, so a good bowl of soup sounds amazing right now! Love the flavors you’ve got going on here, Dawn…I really should use lentils more often. And I hear ya about Mondays. You’re right that we shouldn’t look down on them too much though. After all, they serve the purpose of making Fridays amazing! We’ve gone back to counting calories lately (to get the extra Christmas cookies off before we head on vacation..haha), so a meal like this would make my calorie app very happy! I’m all about big flavor in my soups, too. Yum! Happy Monday, my friend!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:46 pm

        Chilly here too and so windy today!! Thanks David! Hope you get a chance to try this one out (and I hear ya about the Christmas cookies). Have a great week!

        Reply
    20. [email protected]

      April 09, 2018 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      I love everything about this! Especially for a Monday after a weekend of indulgences! It’s like you knew! 😉 I love the addition of the Thai chilies! This is happening!! Have a great week, my friend! XOXO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:43 pm

        Thanks Annie!! I did know 😉 Let me know if you try this one out! Have a wonderful week! XOXO

        Reply
    21. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      April 09, 2018 at 9:23 am

      You’re speaking my language here, girlie! I’m all about lentils! And soup. And kale too! Oh yeah, and one pot meals. Basically, this hits all the points I need to love something. Have a great week, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        April 09, 2018 at 7:42 pm

        Haha – me too 😉 Thanks Kelsie! Have an awesome week too!

        Reply
    22. karrie @ Tasty Ever After

      July 22, 2015 at 1:03 pm

      This soup looks perfect! Love the addition of Thai chilies too. Spicy is always better in my book. Will definitely make this soon 🙂

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        July 22, 2015 at 2:16 pm

        I love love love spicy things too!! I always have chili peppers in the fridge. Let me know how you like 🙂

        Reply

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