Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup that combines aromatic spices, fresh ginger, and tender red lentils for a nutritious and comforting meal. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is easy to prepare, blending warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup or 150 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups or 500 g)
- 1 cup (200 g) dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to release the spices’ aroma.
- Add Tomato Puree: Stir in the tomato puree and cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Cook Carrots: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat them in spices.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth; bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 25-30 minutes or until the carrots and lentils are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, skip blending.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- The soup can be made fully smooth or left chunky depending on your texture preference.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of coconut milk or cream before serving.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust chili flakes to control the level of spiciness.
Keywords: carrot soup, lentil soup, spiced soup, vegan soup, healthy soup, Middle Eastern soup