Sweet Potato Feta and Lentil Soup with Harissa is a cozy, protein-packed soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. It combines hearty lentils and sweet potatoes in a flavorful, slightly spicy broth. A spoonful of harissa adds warmth and depth, while crumbled feta gives a creamy, tangy finish. It’s simple to make, nourishing, and even better the next day.
Soup season is the best season. For more cozy and delicious soup recipes try my sweet potato feta soup or my tuscan lentil soup.
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Why you'll love this mediterranean harissa lentil soup
Simple + hearty. This cozy soup comes together in about 40 minutes using mostly pantry staples like lentils, broth, harissa, and spices — ideal for busy weeknights.
Rich, comforting flavor. Sweet potatoes, garlic, and harissa create a slightly spicy, deeply savory broth, while creamy feta adds the perfect tangy finish.
High in protein + fiber. Lentils make this soup naturally filling and nourishing, keeping you satisfied for hours.
One pot magic. Everything simmers together to build layers of flavor with minimal cleanup — a perfect balance of comfort and ease.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
- Onion – builds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
- Sweet potato – adds natural sweetness, creaminess, and extra fiber.
- Celery – gives the soup a subtle crunch and aromatic balance.
- Garlic – enhances flavor and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- Dried thyme – brings herby, earthy notes that pair well with lentils.
- Paprika – adds warmth and a mild smokiness.
- Cumin – deepens the flavor and complements the harissa.
- Black pepper – provides a touch of sharp spice to balance sweetness.
- Salt – enhances every flavor in the soup.
- Parsley – adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.
- Feta – adds tangy creaminess that balances the savory broth.
- Vegetable or chicken broth – forms the base of the soup; choose bone broth for extra protein and richness.
- Brown lentils – the main protein and fiber source, giving the soup heartiness.
- Harissa – adds gentle heat and a complex, spiced flavor that ties everything together.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Harissa: Use tomato sauce with a pinch of chili flakes if you can't find harissa.
- Feta: I think goat cheese would be yummy.
- Brown lentils: Green lentils are the best substitute. Red lentils would be too soft.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook veggies and spices.
Add all ingredients and simmer.
Serve and enjoy.
Storage instructions
You can store the extra soup in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 3-4 days. I also think it could be frozen.
Recipe Pro-Tips
The best Harissa I have found is Mina Harissa. It has the best flavor. Some brands like Trader Joes are way too spicy.
This soup tastes even better as time goes on so it is the perfect make ahead meal.
Recipe FAQS
Yes, feta is a healthy cheese option when enjoyed in moderation. It’s lower in fat and calories than many other cheeses and provides beneficial nutrients like calcium and probiotics that support bone and gut health.
Lentils are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate, making them excellent for supporting energy and muscle health. Their high fiber content also promotes gut health, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports heart health by helping to lower cholesterol.
Yes, use vegan feta and vegetable broth.
Other soups and stews to try
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Sweet Potato Feta and Lentil Soup with Harissa
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil can sub avocado oil or butter
- 1 small onion - finely chopped
- 1 small sweet potato - diced about 2 cups worth
- 2 stalks stalks celery - finely chopped
- 6-8 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ½-1 teaspoon salt adjust to your saltiness preference
- ½ cup fesh chopped parsley
- 1 ~5 oz block feta - crumbled I reserved a small amount of feta for topping but this is not necessary
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth* sub chicken bone broth for extra protein I like kettle and fire bone broth use code avocadoskillet for 20% off
- 1 cup dried brown lentils
- ¼ cup harissa
optional toppings
- additional crumbled feta
- additional chopped parsley
- chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, thyme, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt and pepper. Toss everything together and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the pot (including the feta). Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 more minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and the lentils are cooked through.
- Optional: For a creamier soup, add 1-2 cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the pureed soup back to the pot and mix together. Alternatively you can partially blend it with an immersion blender.
- Divide out soup and serve.
Cara says
Hi! Step 2 says “ Add garlic, thyme, paprika, cumin, thyme chili salt and pepper.” Are we supposed to add chili? I didn’t see it listed in the ingredient list so a little unsure!
Kristi says
Thanks for letting me know! That was a typo. No chili goes in the soup unless you want it more spicy!
Lila says
Delish!!! Spicy, healthy, easy.
Kristi says
Thank you Lila!!
Janice Tretter says
Hi I have a question I sent my husband to store for harissa he came back with a jar containing dry spices labeled Harrisa.
Could I sub tomato paste and these spices?
He went to every store he could think of no harrisa paste anywhere.
Thank you
Jan
Kristi says
Hi Jan, yes this should work!
Janice Moree says
Can I use green lentils?
Kristi says
Yes - they just take longer to cook
Margaret Pedone says
So when do you add the feta and the harussa???
Kristi says
In step 3 it says to add all remaining ingredients to the pot.