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Red Lentil Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Red Lentil Soup is a warm, nourishing, and vibrant meal perfect for cozy nights. Packed with protein and fiber from red lentils, combined with fragrant spices and wholesome vegetables, this soup is simple to prepare, comforting, and versatile. Whether served as a starter, main course, or light dinner, it offers mild flavors pleasing to all ages and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Spices and Oils
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, and carrots finely to create a flavorful base. Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any dust or debris.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and the spices (cumin, turmeric, paprika), stirring to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Combine Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed lentils, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
- Blend and Finish: Optionally blend the soup partially or fully for a creamier texture. Stir in lemon juice if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dust and ensure a clean flavor.
- Do not overcook lentils to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding broth for thinner consistency or simmering longer for thicker.
- Toast spices before adding liquids to maximize flavor release.
- Finish the soup with a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs to brighten the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg