Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the dried red lentils thoroughly under cold water. Chop the onion, dice the carrots, slice the celery, and mince the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon to add fresh citrus flavor to your soup.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute to release their fragrant oils.
- Pour in the rinsed red lentils and stir well. Add the vegetable broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, remove from heat. Optionally, blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture or leave it chunky. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- This soup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze portions for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan, Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg