🖋️ Written by Emma
Emma never thought she’d fall in love with French lentil and mushroom soup. For years, she dismissed lentils as bland or complicated—something only serious foodies attempted. But on a freezing weeknight, her fridge was nearly empty. With just an onion, mushrooms, some dry French green lentils, and a splash of white wine, she decided to give it one honest try.
To her surprise, the dish was everything she didn’t expect: earthy, rich, and completely satisfying. It wasn’t just soup—it was comfort in a bowl. That night marked the start of a new dinner ritual, and today, French lentil and mushroom soup is her go-to when time is short but warmth is needed.
For a naturally refreshing drink to pair with this cozy meal, she swears by our light and tangy apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need for French Lentil and Mushroom Soup
Grab these—no weird unicorn ingredients, promise. Except maybe the Parmesan rind, but it’s worth raiding your fridge for.
1 cup French green lentils, rinsed
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced (tears optional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 Parmesan rind (the soup’s secret weapon)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp fresh thyme
½ cup dry white wine (or sub broth)
Salt and pepper to taste
You can also prep the soup alongside our low-calorie strawberry lemon water to keep hydration light and flavorful.
How to Make French Lentil and Mushroom Soup
Sauté the veggies.
Heat olive oil in a pot, then cook onions, carrots, and mushrooms until they’re softer than your resolve after a long day.
Add garlic and tomato paste.
Stir for 1 minute until fragrant—this is where the flavor magic starts.
Deglaze with wine.
Pour in the wine (or broth) and scrape up any browned bits. Pretend you’re on a cooking show.
Simmer everything.
Add lentils, broth, thyme, and the Parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
Season and serve.
Fish out the Parmesan rind (it’s done its job), adjust salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley if you’re extra.
Want a trendy drink pairing with it? Try the Mounjaro coffee mocktail—rich, energizing, and surprisingly refreshing.
Storage Instructions
This soup gets better overnight, like a culinary Cinderella.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Portion into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
FYI, the lentils may absorb liquid—just add a splash of broth when reheating.
Pair leftovers with our pink salt drink recipe to balance savory with salty freshness.
Why You’ll Love This French Lentil and Mushroom Soup
Meal-prep hero: Makes a big batch, and leftovers taste even better.
Nutrient-packed: Protein from lentils, vitamins from veggies it’s basically a multivitamin in soup form.
Crowd-pleaser: Works for vegans (skip the Parmesan) and impresses even the “soup isn’t a meal” people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the lentils. French lentils should be tender but not mushy.
Set a timer.
- Skipping the Parmesan rind. It’s the umami booster. No rind? Grate some Parmesan in at the end.
- Using regular lentils. They’ll turn to mush.
French lentils or bust.
Alternatives and Variations
Vegan? Omit the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Gluten-free? Already is.
Want it heartier? Add diced potatoes or spinach.
For a smoky twist, toss in a pinch of smoked paprika.
IMO, the wine is non-negotiable—but you do you.
For something lighter post-meal, sip on our lemon cucumber detox water it’s a clean finish to any meal.
Can I freeze this?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a splash of broth.
What’s the best substitute for French lentils?
Brown lentils work in a pinch, but they’ll be softer. Black lentils (Beluga) are a closer match.
How long does it stay fresh?
5 days in the fridge—if it lasts that long. The flavors deepen over time, so day-two soup is elite.
Is this kid-friendly?
Depends on the kid.
Blend it smooth if they’re texture-averse, or call it “superhero soup” for bonus points.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Chop veggies the night before, or make the whole soup and reheat. It’s a meal-prep MVP.
Final Thoughts
This French Lentil and Mushroom Soup is the antidote to sad desk lunches and chilly evenings.
It’s hearty, healthy, and proof that lentils can be exciting. Make it, dunk bread in it, and tag me when you do. Still skeptical?
Try it once I bet you’ll be converted.
📌 Want more real-life meal ideas? Follow @whattomaketoday for daily recipes you’ll actually want to cook.
FAQS About French lentil and mushroom soup
What makes French lentils different?
French lentils, also known as lentilles du Puy, are smaller, firmer, and have a peppery flavor. They hold their shape better than other varieties when cooked.
Can French lentils be used in soup?
Yes, French lentils are ideal for soups because they retain their shape and texture, adding a pleasant bite to the dish.
Which country has the best lentil soup?
Many consider Lebanon and Turkey to have some of the best lentil soups due to their rich spices and traditional cooking methods.
Do French lentils need to be soaked before cooking?
No, French lentils do not require soaking. They cook quickly and maintain a firm texture without pre-soaking.
Are French lentils healthier?
French lentils are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients, making them a very healthy legume choice.
Which lentils are best for soup?
Brown, green, and French lentils are all great for soup. French lentils are preferred for their firmness and flavor.
Which lentils are best for weight loss?
Red and green lentils are excellent for weight loss due to their high fiber and protein content, which promote satiety.
Is there another name for French lentils?
Yes, French lentils are also known as lentilles du Puy or Puy lentils, named after the region in France where they originate.
Which color lentils are the healthiest?
All lentils are nutritious, but black and green lentils often have slightly higher levels of antioxidants and fiber.
How long do green French lentils take to cook?
Green French lentils typically take 20 to 25 minutes to cook, depending on the desired texture.
