Description
This Spicy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is a warming, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. A blend of tender carrots, red lentils, and aromatic spices, this soup is rich in flavor and nutrients. It’s vegan, easy to make, and incredibly comforting!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Cook the Carrots and Lentils:
Add the chopped carrots, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender. - Add the Tomatoes:
Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. - Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender. - Finish with Lemon Juice:
Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- Add more chili flakes if you prefer a spicier soup.
- This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian, South Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0g