Vegan Red Lentil Soup
A warm, comforting, and deeply nourishing red lentil soup packed with aromatic spices and vibrant lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- •1 cup dry red lentils, rinsed and drained (200g)
- •4 cups vegetable broth (960ml)
- •2 cups water (480ml)
- •1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 2
Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and deeply colored.
- 4
Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and water to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- 5
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils and carrots are completely tender.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some texture intact for a rustic feel.
- 7
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- 8
Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
💡 Chef tips
- For a completely smooth and creamy texture, blend the soup until it is completely pureed.
- This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months; simply thin it out with a splash of water when reheating.
- Substitute fresh spinach or kale for the carrots if you want to add leafy greens at the end of cooking.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished soup is thick, velvety, and brilliantly golden-orange with a bright, citrusy finish and a comforting, earthy aroma.