Blogs

Warm Up with Chef Dee's Simple Lentil Soup – A Kid-Friendly Winter Winner!

Posted by Chef Donna on December 17, 2025

Hello, Culinary Kids Toronto families!

As the snow falls here in Toronto, nothing beats a bowl of hearty, homemade soup to warm everyone up after school or playtime outside. Today, I'm excited to share a super-simple recipe I discovered a Cozy Red Lentil Soup!

This recipe is a game-changer for busy parents – it's made with pantry staples, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with nutrition from red lentils (protein + fiber) and fresh veggies. The best part? You keep the skins on the potatoes for extra vitamins, and the cinnamon adds a subtle warm "kick" that kids surprisingly love (no spicy heat, just cozy flavor!).

I love casual chopping, easy boiling, and a quick puree for that creamy texture without any cream. It's naturally vegan, budget-friendly, and perfect as a hot lunch thermos filler or light dinner with bread.

Why this fits Culinary Kids Toronto perfectly:

• Aligns with Canada's Food Guide (veggies, protein, whole foods).

• Teaches kids about simple boiling and blending – great for a future Zoom class demo!

• Customizable: Let little ones sprinkle extra thyme or draw faces with bread croutons.

Give it a try this week and tag @CulinaryKidsToronto on Instagram with your bowls – I'd love to see your family's versions!

Stay warm and keep cooking,

Chef Donna

Founder, Culinary Kids Toronto

P.S. Grab the printable recipe card above, or join my next Zoom class for more winter warmers!