Red Lentil Soup (40 Minutes)

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There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of red lentil soup to warm the soul. Renowned for its velvety texture and depth of flavor, this dish celebrates simplicity in every spoonful. Red lentils, which are not just vibrant but also pack a nutritional punch, become the stars in this quick-cooking, one-pot wonder. With minimal ingredients and time, you can create a meal that feels both comforting and invigorating, making it a staple for many households.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the onion (5 minutes): In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sautéing until translucent.
  2. Add veggies (3 minutes): Add the garlic and carrot, sautéing for a few more minutes until aromatic.
  3. Add spices (1 minute): Stir in the cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.
  4. Mix in the lentils (2 minutes): Add the red lentils, mixing them well with the aromatics.
  5. Pour in the broth (1 minute): Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Boil and simmer (20-25 minutes): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened.
  7. Adjust the seasoning (2 minutes): Adjust seasoning if necessary and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Red lentil soup is versatile, so feel free to play around with the spices or add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty finish. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend half the soup and then combine it back. A side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate this humble dish to new heights. For a more substantial meal, pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies. No matter how you serve it, this soup promises a heartwarming experience.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 15g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Pair this with...

Easy Naan

Start by combining warm water, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy. In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour with some salt. Make a well in the center and pour in some yogurt and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix these together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for a couple of hours. Once doubled, divide the dough into balls. Roll each one out into an oval shape. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook each naan until it puffs up and gets brown spots, usually about 2 minutes per side. Brush with melted butter or ghee for extra richness.

Kale Chips with Chili Flakes

Start by selecting a fresh bunch of kale, washing and thoroughly drying the leaves. Tear them into chip-sized pieces, discarding the tough central stems. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the kale with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle in those fiery chili flakes, adjusting to your heat preference. Give everything a good toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Lay out the seasoned kale pieces on a baking sheet, ensuring they aren't overlapping. Into a preheated oven they go, baking until they're crisp, yet still vibrant in color. Once out, they'll continue to crisp up a touch more.

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