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Hearty Cozy Red Lentil Soup

hearty cozy red lentil soup - featured image
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A warm, nourishing, and easy-to-make red lentil soup that balances creamy and chunky textures with fragrant spices, perfect for chilly nights and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed well
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • A handful fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery finely. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Stir occasionally until the onions are translucent and the veggies start to soften, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the spices bloom and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and the soup thickens.
  7. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup directly in the pot for a creamy texture. If using a regular blender, carefully blend half the soup in batches and return it to the pot.
  8. Add salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

If the soup gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Blending half the soup creates a creamy texture without cream. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add liquid if needed. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño during sautéing. Coconut oil can be used instead of olive oil for a tropical hint. Add coconut milk or plain yogurt for creaminess before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: red lentil soup, cozy soup, easy lentil soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, comfort food, quick soup

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/hearty-cozy-red-lentil-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/