Spicy Lentil Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Spicy Lentil Soup is the perfect blend of warmth and flavor, making it an ideal companion on chilly days. With a kick of heat and a medley of spices, it’s both comforting and invigorating.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with bold, aromatic spices that awaken your senses.
  • Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • High in protein and fiber, making it incredibly satisfying.
  • Vegan and gluten-free, appealing to a range of dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells amazing.

Next, sprinkle in the cumin seeds, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir them around for about a minute until they're fragrant and toasty.

Now, it’s time to add in the red lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, diced carrots, and celery. Give everything a good stir, then crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, drop the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

When those lentils are perfectly soft, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Just before serving, stir in the juice of one lemon, which will really wake up the flavors.

Ladle your soup into bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and enjoy it warm.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris; this also helps them cook more evenly.
  • For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Lentil Soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a side of jasmine rice. For a light meal, serve it with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Can I use a different type of lentil?
Red lentils cook quickly and break down nicely, but you could use green or brown lentils; just adjust the cooking time as they take longer.

Ingredients Explained

Olive oil is used for a heart-healthy base to sauté our aromatics. The onion provides a sweet, savory depth, while garlic and ginger bring a warm, fragrant complexity. The spices—cumin seeds, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper—add layers of heat and earthiness. Red lentils are our star, offering a creamy texture and a protein punch. Vegetable broth supports the soup's base flavor, while diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness. Carrots and celery not only contribute to the soup’s flavor but also give it a satisfying bite. Lemon juice brightens everything up at the end. Finally, chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbal finish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onion is translucent.
2. Stir in cumin seeds, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice just before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

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