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Simple Spiced Red Lentil Soup Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Simple Spiced Red Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with warm spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines red lentils with aromatic cumin, turmeric, and coriander, simmered to perfection in a flavorful vegetable broth. Garnished with fresh parsley and a splash of lemon juice, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and is both hearty and healthy.


Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 1 cup Red Lentils (rinsed and cleaned)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Carrot (diced)
  • 1 stalk Celery (diced)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth (quality broth enhances flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Rinse Lentils: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities and excess starch.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, developing a sweet base flavor.
  3. Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to release its aroma without burning.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add diced carrot and celery to the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and enhance their sweetness.
  5. Add Lentils: Stir in the rinsed red lentils, mixing well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
  6. Pour Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged for even cooking.
  7. Add Spices: Sprinkle cumin, turmeric, and coriander powder over the soup and stir well to blend the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired; then bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  9. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld.
  10. Add Lemon Juice: Once the lentils are soft, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  11. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the lemon juice.
  • If vegetable broth is not available, water with added spices can be used but the flavor will be milder.
  • Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; a pinch of chili powder or cayenne can add a nice kick.
  • This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 1 month.