Delicious Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

Red Lentil Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that embodies warmth and flavor. Perfect for any time of the year, this hearty soup is easy to make and packed with protein and fiber from the lentils. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, it’s a delightful meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery rib, chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 small Yukon Gold potato, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 to 2 cups water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, chopped celery, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.

2. Add Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced potato, chopped garlic, ground cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to release the flavors.

3. Simmer the Soup: Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and 1 cup of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.

4. Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth, leaving some texture. If you prefer, you can transfer most of the soup to an upright blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add the remaining 1 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your homemade Red Lentil Soup!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, chopped celery, sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.

Add Potatoes and Spices

Stir in the diced potato, chopped garlic, ground cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute to release the flavors.

Simmer the Soup

Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and 1 cup of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth, leaving some texture. If you prefer, you can transfer most of the soup to an upright blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add the remaining 1 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with a drizzle of olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Ingredient Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or kale for more nutrition.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal or garnish with yogurt for added creaminess.

Cook techniques

sauté

Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the onion, carrot, celery, and seasonings are sautéed to develop their flavors and soften their texture before adding the other ingredients.

simmer

Simmering is a cooking technique that involves cooking food gently in liquid at a low to moderate heat. This allows the ingredients to meld together and develop flavor without reaching a full boil. The red lentils and potatoes are simmered in vegetable broth for even cooking.

blend

Blending is the process of combining ingredients to create a smooth mixture. In this recipe, blending the soup helps achieve a creamy texture, while leaving some chunks adds to the overall heartiness of the dish. An immersion blender or stand blender can be used for this technique.

season

Seasoning is the process of enhancing the flavor of a dish by adding ingredients such as salt, pepper, and acid (like lemon juice). Proper seasoning balances flavors and can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning before serving.

FAQ

Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?

While red lentils are recommended for their quick cooking time and creamy texture, other lentils can be used, but they may require different cooking times and will alter the soup’s consistency.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover red lentil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure it’s cooled before freezing.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any additional vegetables you like or have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this red lentil soup is gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels of pre-packaged items like broth to ensure they are gluten-free.

How spicy is the soup with cayenne pepper?

The pinch of cayenne pepper adds a slight kick, but it is adjustable. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it or adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Red Lentil Soup is a nourishing and hearty dish, perfect for any season. Its blend of aromatic vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and warm spices creates a wholesome meal that is both comforting and satisfying. Easy to prepare and customizable, this soup is a great addition to your weekly meal plan.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Curried Red Lentil Soup

Add a tablespoon of curry powder to the sautéed vegetables for an added layer of warmth and spice.

Lentil and Spinach Soup

Stir in fresh or frozen spinach at the end of cooking for extra nutrients and a pop of color.

Lentil Soup with Coconut Milk

Add a can of coconut milk before blending for a creamy, tropical twist.

Smoky Lentil Soup

Incorporate smoked paprika when adding the spices for a rich, smoky flavor.

Vegetable and Red Lentil Stew

Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or kale to transform the soup into a hearty stew.

Lemon and Dill Lentil Soup

Incorporate fresh dill along with lemon juice for a refreshing herbal twist.

Lentil Soup with Crusty Bread

Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or toasted pita for a complete meal.

Chili-Style Red Lentil Soup

Mix in black beans and corn with chili powder for a southwest-inspired version.

Italian Lentil Soup

Add diced tomatoes and Italian herbs like oregano and basil for an Italian flair.