Description
This creamy red lentil soup is a comforting, nutritious dish packed with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy meal, and features a harmonious blend of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika with the wholesome flavors of red lentils and fresh greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Spices
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions and carrots: Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften, releasing their sweet aroma and forming a flavorful base.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor profile.
- Add lentils: Mix in the rinsed red lentils, coating them well with the spices and vegetables for more depth of flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
- Bring to boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, which helps to accelerate cooking.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup becomes creamy.
- Add lemon and greens: Stir in fresh lemon juice and the optional fresh spinach or kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes more to allow the greens to wilt and meld into the soup.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed for the perfect balance.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding greens.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
- Adding a dollop of yogurt on top can enhance creaminess and flavor.
