Picture a bowl of creamy, aromatic Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, with steam rising in gentle swirls, carrying the comforting scents of cumin and smoked paprika.
This simple yet satisfying dish is a cozy companion on chilly days, bringing warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.
As the sweet potatoes and lentils simmer together, their flavors meld into something truly delightful.
Let’s bring this inviting dish to life and savor its wholesome goodness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read the entire recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Dice the medium onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Rinse the red lentils in a sieve.
- Measure out the spices and other ingredients.
- Cooking (45 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Minute 5-6: Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Minute 6-11: Add sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Minute 11-13: Stir in red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Minute 13-15: Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Minute 15-45: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Resting & Finishing Touches (5 minutes)
- Minute 45-46: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Minute 46-50: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish & Serve (2 minutes)
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the soup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Add the sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes.
Stir in the red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the rich flavors of the soup.
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy alongside a warm grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination.
- Rice Pilaf: Accompany with a side of rice pilaf to add a hearty element to the meal.
- Yogurt Dollop: Top with a dollop of plain yogurt for a creamy contrast to the soup’s spices.
Storage
Store Sweet Potato Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Freezing
To freeze Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with date and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, gently warm it over medium heat on the stove.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish, covering loosely.
Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings warmth and comfort.
This vegetarian soup isn’t only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients.
The combination of sweet potatoes and red lentils creates a hearty base, while the spices add depth and richness to the soup.
The addition of lemon juice provides a revitalizing tanginess, and fresh cilantro enhances the overall taste with its aromatic freshness.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it ahead for a busy week, this soup is sure to please.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to blend part of the soup for a creamier texture.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and nourishing qualities of Sweet Potato Lentil Soup, a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes With Another Type of Potato?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Russet. Adjust cooking time as needed, since regular potatoes may cook faster. Make sure to maintain similar potato size for even cooking and texture consistency.
Are There Any Alternative Herbs to Cilantro for Garnish?
You can replace cilantro with parsley, which offers a milder flavor. If you’re looking for something more unique, try using chives or dill. These alternatives add freshness and complement the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I Use Green Lentils Instead of Red Lentils?
You can substitute green lentils for red, but expect a longer cooking time. Green lentils maintain their shape and have a firmer texture. Adjust simmering time until they’re tender, and consider blending for creaminess if desired.
Is This Soup Suitable for a Vegan Diet?
Yes, you can confidently include this soup in a vegan diet since all ingredients are plant-based. Make sure you use vegetable broth instead of any animal-based alternatives. This recipe aligns perfectly with vegan dietary guidelines.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper to half a teaspoon and add one chopped jalapeño for extra heat. You can also include a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste for a spicier kick.
Sweet Potato Lentil Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the red lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
