Cozy Spiced Red Lentil Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a hug in a bowl? This red lentil soup recipe is just that. It’s packed with warm spices and easy to make. Honestly, it's my go-to comfort food.
Brief Overview
This Middle Eastern lentil soup is traditionally served across the region. It's a quick lentil soup recipe that even beginners can nail.
In about 45 minutes, you'll have 6 servings of pure deliciousness.
Main Benefits
This easy healthy lentil soup is a nutritional powerhouse! Red lentils are fantastic for you. They're a great source of protein and fibre.
Plus, it's the perfect anti inflammation recipe for a chilly evening. This spiced lentil soup recipe is special because it's versatile.
Trust me, even your veggie friends will love this vegan red lentil soup !
Ready to cook this red lentil soup recipe ? You'll need some bits and bobs. First, grab some olive oil.
You'll also want an onion, carrots, and celery. Don't forget the garlic, cumin, and coriander. Oh, and a pinch of smoked paprika!
Next, the main event: red lentils . You'll also need vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Lemon juice is key for brightness.
Finally, salt and pepper to taste. Now you're ready for this comforting vegetarian lentil soup recipe !
One time, I forgot the cumin. It was not the same. That cumin and coriander are important, alright? Trust me on this one. Always make sure your spices are fresh!
Ingredients & Equipment For Your Cozy Red Lentil Soup
So, you're ready to make some seriously comforting red lentil soup recipe ? Fantastic! Let’s get down to what you'll need.
It's all pretty straightforward. No need to panic about fancy equipment or obscure ingredients, alright?
Main Players in This Easy Healthy Lentil Soup
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is our starting point. Use good quality oil for the best flavor.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup/150g) . Yellow or white onions work best.
- Carrots: 2, chopped (about 1 cup/120g) . Adds sweetness and body to the soup.
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup/100g) . This is optional, if you don't have it, don't sweat it.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Because garlic makes everything better, doesn't it?
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . This is a must for that Middle eastern lentil soup vibe.
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . It adds warmth to the soup.
- Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Honestly, it adds a lovely depth. Regular paprika works too.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Optional, depending on your spice tolerance. I like a little kick.
- Red Lentils: 1 cup, rinsed (about 200g) . Red lentils cook quickly and break down nicely. Make sure to rinse them!
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Or chicken broth if you're not going for a vegan red lentil soup .
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (400g) . Don't drain them, the juice adds to the flavour.
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . This deepens the tomato flavor.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . A little acidity brightens everything up.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Spice Blend
Cumin and coriander are the unsung heroes here for this spiced lentil soup recipe . They create that classic Middle Eastern feel.
The touch of smoked paprika adds smokiness. A little goes a long way. If you're missing something, don't worry. This lentil soup recipe is forgiving.
Equipment You'll Actually Use
- A large pot or Dutch oven . Big enough to hold all that soup.
- A cutting board . No brainer.
- A chef's knife . Sharp is safer, remember?
- Measuring cups and spoons . Because accuracy matters, sort of.
- A ladle . For serving up this easy healthy lentil soup .
Honestly, you probably already have all this stuff. No need to buy anything fancy. If you don't have a ladle, use a big spoon, you know? And that's it! Now you're ready to start cooking this awesome quick lentil soup recipe .
Cozy Spiced Red Lentil Soup Recipe : A Hug in a Bowl
Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a bowl of soup on a chilly day? I reckon not! And this red lentil soup recipe ? It's like getting a big, warm hug.
It’s my go-to easy healthy lentil soup when I need something quick, tasty, and good for me.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first: let's get organised. We call it mise en place , fancy french term that means “everything in its place”.
Chop 1 large onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince 2 cloves of garlic . Get your spices measured out: 1 teaspoon each of cumin and coriander , ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika , and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling brave.
Don't forget to rinse 1 cup of red lentils . This saves you time and stress later.
step-by-step: From Pot to Bowl in 30 Minutes
- Sauté the Goodness: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Spice It Up: Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. You’ll smell that lovely aroma.
- Lentil Time: Stir in the rinsed red lentils, 6 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth), 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes , and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste .
- Simmer Down: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20- 25 minutes , until the lentils are tender. You want them to break down slightly.
- Blend (Optional): For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender. Be careful! Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
- Season & Serve: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice . Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Bowl
Want to take your red lentil soup recipe to the next level? My biggest tip is don't skimp on the sautéing .
Seriously! Cooking those veggies and spices properly at the start unlocks all the flavour.
Also, don't be shy with the salt! It’s super important. And to turn this into a vegan red lentil soup , just use vegetable broth and coconut yogurt for garnish instead of Greek yogurt.
Boom, done! This could easily become your favourite of all lentil soup recipes . Its simplicity can fool you into thinking this is not a top tier Spiced lentil soup recipe , but honestly.
.. try it!
Alright, let's dive deeper into this smashing red lentil soup recipe ! Honestly, it’s so versatile. You can really make it your own.
These are just a few ideas to get you started.
Recipe Rundown
Ace Serving Suggestions
Right, let's talk presentation. A swirl of Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for a vegan red lentil soup ), a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and a drizzle of olive oil? Chef's kiss! For plating, I like to use rustic bowls.
They give it that proper home cooked feel, you know? As for sides, crusty bread is a must for dunking. Think sourdough.
A light salad cuts through the richness nicely.
Super Storage Tips
Leftovers? Sorted! This easy healthy lentil soup keeps well. Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing? Absolutely! Portion it out before freezing. When reheating, give it a good stir and add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Make sure it's piping hot all the way through. Reheat to a minimum of 74° C ( 165° F) to ensure any bacteria are killed.
Variants on the theme
Need a dietary tweak? No probs! For a vegan red lentil soup , just use vegetable broth and swap the yogurt for a plant based alternative.
It's still bloomin' delicious! Seasonal swaps? In winter, try adding some roasted butternut squash for extra sweetness. In summer, a squeeze of lime instead of lemon really brightens things up.
This spiced lentil soup recipe is so adaptable.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
This red lentil soup recipe is surprisingly healthy. It’s packed with protein and fiber. It's also a great source of iron.
This anti inflammation recipe is a winner. Roughly, you're looking at around 250 calories per serving. This makes it a guilt free treat.
Remember, this quick lentil soup recipe is good for the body and soul! This vegetarian lentil soup recipe is a great choice.
Honestly, don't be afraid to play around with this red lentil soup recipe . Add more spices. Chuck in some different veggies.
Make it your own! The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Now, go on, get cooking! I promise you will not regret making lentil soup with cumin and coriander .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this red lentil soup recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Absolutely! This red lentil soup recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply ensure you're using vegetable broth and swap out any dairy garnishes, like Greek yogurt, for a plant based alternative such as coconut yogurt or a drizzle of cashew cream. Easy peasy!
How can I make my red lentil soup recipe even more flavourful?
Flavour is key! Don't skimp on sautéing the vegetables and spices at the beginning that's where the magic happens. A good quality vegetable broth also makes a difference. Consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before serving.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end really brightens up the flavours, too.
Can I freeze red lentil soup for later?
Yes, you can! Red lentil soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You might need to add a little extra water or broth if it has thickened.
I don’t have all the spices listed in the red lentil soup recipe. What can I substitute?
No worries! If you're missing something like smoked paprika, a pinch of regular paprika will do in a pinch. Cumin and coriander are quite essential for that Middle Eastern flavour, but if you are missing one use more of the other.
If you're short on time, a good quality curry powder can also add a lovely depth of flavour. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Think of it as riffing on a classic, like a culinary jazz solo!
My red lentil soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
Soup thickness can be easily adjusted. If your soup is too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer uncovered, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.
Alternatively, you can blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in to thicken it up.
What are some tasty variations I can make to this red lentil soup recipe?
Get creative! For a smoky flavour, add chopped chorizo when sautéing the vegetables. A swirl of coconut milk and a tablespoon of curry powder will create a delicious coconut curry lentil soup.
You could also add some finely chopped spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients and a pop of green. The possibilities are endless, so experiment and have fun!
Cozy Spiced Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 10g |