Description
Lentil soup is a nourishing and satisfying dish that’s both comforting and versatile. This recipe combines earthy lentils with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika, to create a flavorful and hearty soup. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a filling meal, this soup is packed with nutrients, rich in flavor, and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon (for finishing)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Lentils
Rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. Set aside.Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.Add the Vegetables
Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.Incorporate the Spices
Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.Simmer the Soup
Add the lentils, diced tomatoes (optional), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.Finish the Soup
Once the lentils are tender, discard the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a simple salad.
Notes
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like curry powder, garam masala, or ground ginger to change the flavor profile to your liking.
- Vegetable Options: Add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color.
- Consistency: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.
- Broth Choice: For a richer flavor, opt for homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lentil soup, spiced lentil soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, vegan lentil soup, hearty lentil recipe, turmeric lentil soup, cumin soup