Easy Lentil Soup
A delightful and comforting vegan soup made with earthy lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for families and budget-friendly!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Provides a rich base for the soup.
- 1 large onion, diced Sweet and aromatic.
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped Adds flavor.
- 2 cups carrots, diced Juicy and slightly sweet.
- 1 stalk celery, sliced Optional, adds aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt More to taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adds warmth.
- 1 medium tomato, diced Adds freshness.
Spices and Lentils
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin Earthy spice.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or red paprika For warmth and color.
- 1 cup red lentils Main ingredient.
- 4 cups vegetable broth Flavorful liquid.
- 1 cup water To adjust consistency.
- a generous pinch cayenne pepper Adds heat.
- 1 large squeeze of fresh lemon juice Brightens flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and chopped garlic, stirring for about 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Lower the heat to medium, then add the diced carrots, sliced celery (if using), salt, and pepper. Sauté for around 7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
Cooking
- Add the diced tomatoes and the ground cumin, along with the chili powder or paprika. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the spices toast.
- Pour in the red lentils, vegetable broth, and water. Increase the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, partly puree the soup, blending it enough to create a creamy texture while leaving some lentils whole. For chunkier, blend half in a traditional blender.
- Adjust the consistency with more broth or water as needed.
Final Touches
- Squeeze in half of the lemon juice and sprinkle a pinch of cayenne. Taste, adjusting salt, lemon juice, and cayenne as needed.
- Serve in bowls, drizzled with olive oil and garnish with fresh herbs or Aleppo chili flakes if desired.
Notes
For heartier soup, add diced potatoes or spinach near the end. Letting soup sit deepens flavors. Experiment with spices like turmeric for added color and nutrition.