Are you tired of bland, boring soups that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to transform your dinner with this mouthwatering Spicy Lentil and Tomato Soup that promises to tantalize your senses and warm your soul! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect balance of spices, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredible flavors, this soup is your ticket to a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or small stones. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent.
- Sprinkle cumin over the sautéed vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer extra spiciness, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips
- Lentil Selection Matters: Use brown or green lentils for the best texture and hold. Avoid red lentils as they tend to break down too quickly.
- Spice Customization: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cumin, or include red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast the cumin briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential.
- Liquid Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, don't hesitate to add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep.
- Garnish Creativity: Experiment with toppings like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra layers of flavor.
- Storing Tips: This soup can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect batch cooking recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
