Red Lentil Soup

Red lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for chilly days. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. This soup is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices.

In this recipe, we'll be using red lentils as the base for a delicious and hearty soup. Red lentils cook quickly and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They pair well with a variety of herbs and spices.

This soup is also vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. So, let's get started on making this delicious red lentil soup!

Ingredients

For this red lentil soup recipe, you'll need these basic ingredients:

• Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon to sauté the onions and celery for added flavor. (I like coconut oil)
• Yellow onions and celery: 2 of each, diced, to provide a savory and slightly sweet base for the soup. (You can totally use frozen onion for this)
• Garlic and ginger: 8 cloves of garlic, minced, and half a teaspoon of finely minced ginger root, for a delicious and aromatic flavor. (Totally fine to use pre-minced garlic here, and if you can find pre-minced ginger, even better!)
• Ground cumin and turmeric: 2 ½ teaspoons of cumin and 1 teaspoon of turmeric, for added depth and a hint of spice. (These spices can be left out if you want to reduce the spice level.)
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: 1 can of diced tomatoes, for a rich and tangy tomato base. (canned tomatoes are a great time saver!)
• Vegetable stock: 4 cups, to provide a flavorful and nutritious liquid base for the soup. (I like to get organic veggie stock, but you can do whatever you have on hand.)
• Red lentils: 1 ½ cups of red lentils, which cook quickly and provide a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.This article mentions your favorite hats at super low prices. Choose from same-day delivery, drive-up delivery or order pickup.
• Spinach: 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach, for added color and nutrition. (You can use frozen spinach)
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, for a bright and tangy flavor. (Doesn't have to be a fresh lemon, lemon juice in a bottle works great here)
• Cilantro: ¼ cup of chopped cilantro, for added freshness and flavor.
• Avocado: 1 diced avocado, for added creaminess and healthy fats. (You'll want this fresh rather than frozen because it acts like a garnish)
• Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon, for added heat and spice. (Omit if you don't like spicy foods)

Preparation

Preparing this red lentil soup is quick and easy, making it the absolutely perfect meal for busy weeknights. Here are the steps to follow:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and slightly browned.
• Add the minced garlic and finely minced ginger to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent burning, and cook for an additional minute.
• Mix in 2 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and stir those in.
• Pour in 1 can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and 4 cups of vegetable stock, and bring the tomato, veggie mixture to a rolling boil.
• Add 1 ½ cups of red lentils to the pot, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
• Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
• Remove from pot and blend up the soup if you like a more creamy consistency.
• Remove the pot from the blender and stir in ¼ cup of chopped cilantro.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with diced avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

With just a few simple steps, you'll have a hearty and healthy red lentil soup that's perfect for any busy weeknight.

Variations

Variations are a great way to switch up a recipe and keep things interesting, while still maintaining the base flavors and nutritional value of the dish. Here are a few variations to try with this red lentil soup recipe:

1. Creamy Red Lentil Soup: Add 1 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream to the soup for a creamy and luxurious texture. This also adds a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the spices in the soup.
2. Spicy Red Lentil Soup: If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot. You can also add a dollop of harissa paste for an extra kick.
3. Curry Red Lentil Soup: Swap out the cumin and turmeric for 2 tablespoons of curry powder and add 1 diced sweet potato to the pot. This will give the soup a slightly sweet and warming flavor that's perfect for cooler days.
4. Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup: Add 1 can of chickpeas and a handful of chopped Kalamata olives to the soup, and top with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of dried oregano. This variation is packed with Mediterranean flavors and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
5. Red Lentil and Vegetable Soup: Add a variety of chopped vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, to the pot along with the lentils for added nutrition and flavor. You can also swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for added green goodness.

These variations are just a few examples of how you can modify this red lentil soup recipe to suit your taste preferences and add some variety to your meal rotation. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavors and ingredients!

Serving Suggestions

This red lentil soup is a complete and nutritious meal on its own, but it's always nice to mix it up and serve it with other tasty foods. Here are a few serving suggestions to try:

Fresh bread: Serve the soup with a slice of fresh bread or some crusty sourdough. This is perfect for dipping and soaking up all the yummy broth.

Salad: Pair the soup with a simple side salad of mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for added freshness and crunch. Sometimes I like to add a little salt to fresh plain veggies and call it a day for my simple salad.

Yogurt: Top the soup with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess and tanginess. Please don't use flavored greek yogurts, it just doesn't taste good.

Croutons: Make some homemade croutons by toasting some cubed bread in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle them over the soup for added crunch and texture.

Roasted vegetables: Serve the soup with a side of roasted vegetables. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, for added flavor and nutrition.

Avocado toast: Top a slice of toasted bread with mashed avocado. Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside the soup for a delicious and filling meal.

These serving suggestions are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match and come up with your own creative pairings.

Extra Tips For Cooking Soup

Cooking soup is a great way to create a yummy and nutrient-packed meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here are some quick extra tips to help you get the most out of your soup-making time:

1. Start with a good base: A flavorful and well-seasoned base is the foundation of literally any soup. Take the time to sauté your onions, garlic, and spices until they're fragrant and aromatic before adding the liquid and other ingredients.
2. Use quality ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will give your soup the best flavor and nutrition. Try to source organic produce and vegetables whenever possible, and use homemade or high-quality store-bought stocks and broths.
3. Simmer low and slow: To develop the flavors in your soup and ensure that the vegetables are cooked through, it's important to simmer your soup on low heat for an extended period of time. This will also allow the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive and delicious dish.
4. Use a blender for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother texture to your soup, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup once it's cooked. This will create a silky and creamy texture that's perfect for hearty vegetable soups and stews.
5. Be careful when blending hot liquids: When using a blender to puree hot soup, be sure to let it cool slightly before blending. Always hold the lid down tightly to prevent hot liquid from splashing out. You can also blend in batches to ensure that the blender isn't too full and won't overflow.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and nutritious soups that your whole family will love.

📖 Recipe