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Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is a hearty, comforting plant-based soup featuring sweet carrots and creamy red lentils blended with warm spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. This nourishing soup offers deep, soul-warming flavors and vibrant color, perfect for chilly days or year-round enjoyment. Easy to prepare with simple wholesome ingredients, it’s a filling meal that’s both satisfying and versatile.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4–5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Lentils & Broth

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Peel and chop the carrots into even pieces, dice the onion finely, and mince the garlic. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove any dust and starch.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Add spices and carrots: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika to toast the spices gently, blending them with the onions and garlic. Add the chopped carrots next, allowing them to cook briefly in the spiced oil to release their natural sweetness.
  4. Pour in lentils and broth: Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.
  5. Blend until smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or transfer in batches to a blender. This creates a cozy, velvety texture.
  6. Season and finish: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot for maximum comfort.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds a crucial tangy freshness.
  • Rinse and drain lentils well to avoid bitterness and improve texture.
  • Simmer gently over low heat to develop rich flavors without burning spices.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding broth or water if too thick, or simmer uncovered for thicker texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Vegetarian
  • Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: spiced carrot soup, lentil soup, vegan soup, gluten free soup, healthy soup, comforting soup, plant-based meal