Red Lentil Soup

Imagine the comforting aroma of spices filling your kitchen as you prepare a warm bowl of red lentil soup.

There’s something about its vibrant color and velvety texture that makes it a go-to favorite for cozy evenings.

This Middle-Eastern delight isn’t only easy to make but also deeply satisfying.

As the lentils simmer with aromatic cumin, coriander, and turmeric, they transform into a hearty, nourishing dish.

Let’s bring this delightful soup to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 knife
• 1 cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Red Lentil Soup, you can follow this timeline.

We’ll also include a short time allowance at the beginning for reading through the recipe.

Timeline for Red Lentil Soup Preparation and Cooking:

0:00 – 0:05

– Reading Time: Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.

0:05 – 0:10

• Preparation Time:
• Rinse the red lentils.
• Chop the onion and dice the carrots.
• Mince the garlic.
• Gather and measure out the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric), olive oil, and vegetable broth.
• Open the can of diced tomatoes.

0:10 – 0:15

• Begin Cooking:
• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

0:15 – 0:16

• Spice Addition:
• Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute.

0:16 – 0:18

• Combine Ingredients:
• Add rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot.

0:18 – 0:20

• Bring to Boil:
• Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

0:20 – 0:45

• Simmer:
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
• Use this time to clean up any prep mess and set the table.

0:45 – 0:47

• Final Seasoning:
• Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the lemon juice.
• Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using.

0:47 – 0:52

• Resting Time:
• Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Use this time to prepare any sides, like crusty bread or a side salad.

0:52 – 0:55

• Serving:
• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

This timeline guarantees you efficiently manage your time from start to finish, including all preparation, cooking, and resting times. Enjoy your delicious Red Lentil Soup!

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and diced carrots to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute.

Add rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if using.

Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty soup perfectly.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve alongside a small portion of fragrant rice pilaf for a more substantial meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Accompany the soup with a medley of grilled vegetables for added texture and flavor.
• Yogurt Dip: A dollop of creamy yogurt with herbs can add a cool, invigorating contrast to the warm soup.

Storage

To store Red Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze red lentil soup, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat red lentil soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, in short intervals.

Stir between each interval for even heat distribution.

Final Thoughts

Red Lentil Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings a taste of the Middle-East to your table.

It’s a simple and quick recipe, taking just a total of 45 minutes from start to finish.

The combination of red lentils, aromatic spices, and fresh lemon juice creates a flavorful and comforting bowl of soup.

Don’t hesitate to make this soup your own by adjusting the spices or adding a bit of heat if you prefer.

Enjoy it as a warming starter or a satisfying main course alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Feel free to experiment with the texture by using an immersion blender to create a silky smooth consistency.

However you choose to enjoy it, Red Lentil Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Green Lentils Instead of Red Lentils in This Soup?

Yes, you can substitute green lentils, but they require longer cooking, around 40-45 minutes, and have a firmer texture. Adjust the simmering time and consider additional liquid if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, carrots, and spices first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

How Can I Make This Soup Creamy Without Using Dairy?

You can achieve a creamy texture by blending some or all of the soup with an immersion blender. Alternatively, add coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Adjust spices after blending to guarantee balanced flavors.

What Are Some Protein-Boosting Additions for This Soup?

You can boost protein by adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or tofu cubes to the soup. Incorporate these during the simmering stage for ideal flavor integration. Adjust seasoning as needed to complement the added ingredients’ flavors.

Can This Soup Be Made in Advance and Stored for Meal Prep?

You can make the soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, to prevent uneven heating and maintain flavor.