If there’s one thing The Simpsons has always done well, it’s sneaking in unexpected pop culture references—some silly, some profound and some, well, just downright bizarre. But who would have guessed that one of its most delightful hidden gems is a vegan lentil soup recipe from Paul McCartney himself?
In the season seven episode “Lisa the Vegetarian,” Lisa Simpson decides to give up meat, much to the dismay of her friends and family. Along the way, she finds support from none other than Paul and Linda McCartney, who appear as themselves to encourage her plant-based journey. Paul even delivers an offhand joke with some serious follow through: “Linda and I both feel strongly about animal rights. In fact, if you play ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ backwards, you’ll hear a recipe for a really ripping lentil soup!”
Naturally, most viewers assumed this was just another absurd Simpsons gag. But in classic McCartney fashion, he went the extra mile—recording himself reading the recipe, which was then played in reverse over the closing credits. If you dig deep enough online, you can even find an isolated version of the audio, confirming that the legendary Beatle really did embed a vegan recipe into his music. It’s a charming example of his ability to mix humor with a cause he’s deeply passionate about.
McCartney may not have given us detailed instructions, but his recipe is about as simple as it gets. A one-pot wonder, it’s the perfect meal for a weeknight when you just want something hearty, comforting and nutritious without a ton of effort. In addition to their dependable protein and fiber content, which will keep you satiated for a relatively long time, lentils are also budget-friendly, making this soup a great option for anyone looking for a simple, affordable and nutritious meal. Here’s what you’ll need to make this soup, according to Sir Paul:
Paul McCartney’s Lentil Soup Recipe
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 1/4 cups vegetable stock or water
Making this soup couldn’t be easier. Simply heat the vegetable oil in a large pot, then toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Let them sauté until softened and fragrant. Next, add the lentils, bay leaf and vegetable stock, bringing everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are tender, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Finish it off with salt, pepper and fresh parsley, and you’ve got yourself a Beatle-approved bowl of comfort. (By the way—McCartney and The Simpsons gang don’t mention a type of lentil to use in this recipe, but brown lentils are usually a great choice for soups and stews.)
Not only is this soup warm and satisfying, but it also reminds us that plant-based eating doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try our Sausage Lentil Soup for a higher protein option or our One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Soup with Parmesan for an extra cozy, cheesy version—just remember that if you’re serving a vegetarian like Paul, it may be best to serve the Parm on the side.
And the next time you revisit The Simpsons, keep your ears open—you never know when a rock legend might be whispering a recipe to you in reverse!
