Imagine a soup so warm, so velvety, and packed with such incredible flavor that it transforms your entire dining experience in just 30 minutes! This Easy Delicious Red Lentil Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a world of rich, aromatic comfort. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this vegetarian soup promises to be your new go-to recipe that will impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, diced carrots, red lentils, vegetable broth, turmeric, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots start to soften.
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any dust or impurities. Once rinsed, add the lentils to the pot with the onions and carrots.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
- After the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling fresh lemon juice over each bowl just before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Enjoy your Easy Delicious Red Lentil Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!
Tips
- Rinsing the red lentils is crucial - it removes any dust and ensures a cleaner, fresher taste.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting your spices like turmeric in the oil before adding vegetables.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, a standard blender works well - just be careful when blending hot liquids.
- The soup can be easily customized: add a dollop of Greek yogurt, sprinkle some fresh herbs, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for variation.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for future quick meals.
- For a protein boost, consider adding a handful of cooked quinoa or chickpeas when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
