Red Lentil Soup
A comforting, velvety, and nutrient-packed soup that warms the soul with its earthy spices and bright citrus finish.
Ingredients
- •1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- •6 cups vegetable broth
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 2
Add the onion and carrots, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- 3
Stir in the garlic, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables, cooking for another minute to deepen the flavor.
- 5
Pour in the rinsed lentils and the vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- 6
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils have completely broken down and the soup is thick.
- 7
Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave it rustic as is.
- 8
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
💡 Chef tips
- For a deeper flavor, toast the dry spices in the oil for a few seconds before adding the vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the soup will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating.
- If you prefer a creamy texture without dairy, blend the soup thoroughly until completely smooth.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished soup should be a vibrant golden-orange color with a thick, creamy consistency and a bright, savory flavor profile balanced by the tang of fresh lemon.