This red lentil soup is warm, hearty, and full of colorful veggies! Packed with nutrition, it’s perfect for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pot!
I love how the lentils cook up soft and the veggies add a nice crunch. It’s like a hug in a bowl—who wouldn’t want that? 🥰 Enjoy it with some crusty bread for a perfect lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Lentils: These lentils are perfect for soups due to their quick cooking time and creamy texture. You can substitute with yellow lentils, but cooking times may vary slightly. Avoid brown or green lentils as they take longer to cook and won’t break down as easily.
Vegetables (Onion, Carrots, Celery): This classic mix, often called mirepoix, adds a depth of flavor. You can replace celery with bell peppers for a different taste or add in zucchini for extra veggies! These changes are great if you want to play with flavors.
Spices: Cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works well but lacks the smoky flavor. You can also experiment with curry powder for a unique twist.
Vegetable Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. You can also use water for a lighter soup or chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian. Homemade broth can enhance flavors even more!
How Do I Cook Lentils So They’re Perfectly Tender?
Cooking lentils properly is key for a creamy soup. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Rinse red lentils thoroughly to remove any debris or dirt before cooking. This helps keep the flavor clean.
- After adding lentils to the pot with the broth and tomatoes, bring the mix to a rolling boil to kickstart the cooking process.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. This keeps the steam in and helps lentils cook evenly.
- Check them around the 20-minute mark. They should be soft but not mushy. If they need more time, check every few minutes!
Trust me, the right cooking technique will give you a fantastic soup filled with tender lentils that blend beautifully with the veggies!
How to Make Red Lentil Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Spices and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This red lentil soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious, nutritious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to feel a bit soft and fragrant.
2. Add Spices:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices release their wonderful aroma. This step is key for building great flavor!
3. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Now, add your rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and the can of diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juices) into the pot. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed, then raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
5. Add Spinach:
After the lentils are cooked, stir in the roughly chopped spinach. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just enough time for the spinach to wilt and mix with other ingredients.
6. Season to Taste:
Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the flavors so it feels just right for you!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your nutritious red lentil soup is ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if you’d like. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils for This Soup?
While this recipe specifically calls for red lentils, you can use green or brown lentils. Just keep in mind that they will take longer to cook and may require additional broth or water. Start checking for tenderness around 30-35 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Broth?
No problem! You can replace vegetable broth with water. For more flavor, add in a bouillon cube or some herbs and spices. You’ll still get a delicious soup, but the broth does add a nice depth of flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes would all work well. Just make sure to dice them evenly and add them along with the other vegetables in the first step for even cooking.
