Red Lentil Soup
Prep
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
4-6
Indulge in the rich flavors and wholesome goodness of this aromatic Red Lentil Soup, a comforting dish that warms the soul with every spoonful. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, fragrant spices, and protein-packed red lentils, this nourishing soup is a delightful marriage of texture and taste. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying meal on its own or as a delightful starter to a larger feast, this easy-to-make recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
This Nourishing Soup is not just a comforting dish but a nutritional powerhouse, boasting a vibrant array of ingredients carefully selected for their health-promoting properties.
Here's why each ingredient in this soup is a nutritious addition to your diet:
Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, carrots may promote good vision, immune function, and skin health.
Celery: Low in calories and high in fiber, celery may aid in digestion and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Onion: Rich in antioxidants, onions may support heart health and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic: A medicinal gem, garlic may boost the immune system and may help lower blood pressure.
Tomato: Loaded with vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Cumin: Known for aiding digestion and containing antioxidants, cumin adds flavor and health benefits.
Saffron: With antioxidant properties, saffron contributes unique flavor and potential mood-boosting effects.
Turmeric: A powerhouse of anti-inflammatory compounds, turmeric supports overall health and wellness.
Red lentils: High in protein and fiber, red lentils may help regulate blood sugar and provide essential nutrients.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals, spinach may boost immunity and support overall health.
Together, these ingredients create a wholesome, flavorful soup that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body from within.
Enjoy!
XO,
Bobbielee
- Dutch oven
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons water
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, peeled and finely diced
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed saffron threads
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups water, more as needed
- 1 pound red lentils (2 cups), picked over and rinsed
- 5 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Prepare the Ingredients: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 5 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Add the finely diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add water as needed to prevent sticking and burning.
Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the diced tomato, ground cumin, crushed saffron threads, and ground turmeric. Allow the spices to toast briefly, about 1 minute, to enhance their flavors.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, 1 ½ cups of water, and the rinsed red lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the coarsely chopped spinach and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
Option: If you prefer a creamier texture, let the soup cool down before transferring it to a blender for blending.
Season to Taste: Season the soup with kosher salt and ground pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water as needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Ladle the hot Red Lentil Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.
Enjoy: Delight in the comforting warmth and wholesome flavors of this Red Lentil Soup, relishing each spoonful of its nourishing ingredients. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days, or freeze for longer storage.
Share the love
#soup
#lentils
#red lentil soup
#red lentil
#easy recipe
#nourishing meals
#comfort food
#vegan friendly
Reviews
Loading reviews…
More From Bobbieleelicious
Looking for a healthy and nutritious snack? These No-Bake Omega-3 Energy Bites are the perfect healthy snack for busy moms, growing kids, and anyone looki...
This healthy bistro salad is a fresh, herb-forward recipe made with crisp romaine, butter lettuce, and arugula, combined with protein-rich chickpeas, fibe...
This healthy peanut butter cup chia pudding is a high-protein, no-bake recipe made with chia seeds, cocoa, and natural peanut butter. Creamy, chocolatey, ...