Description
Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, Easy Red Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick to make, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a soul-soothing delight.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. - Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and tomato paste to deepen in flavor. - Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and add lentils. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. - Blend for Texture (Optional)
For a creamier soup, blend partially or fully with an immersion blender. Alternatively, transfer some soup to a blender, blend, and return to the pot. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust salt or seasoning as needed. - Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Rinse lentils before cooking to remove debris and excess starch.
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes for a nutrient boost.
- Enhance with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean