Hearty Red Lentil Soup

Red lentil soup is a comforting and nutritious dish enjoyed by many around the world. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a flavorful and hearty red lentil soup that serves four people. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
   • Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrots and celery, and peel and dice the potato. Set aside.
   • Open the can of diced tomatoes and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and potato to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.
   • Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Cook Lentils:
   • Pour in the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
5. Add Tomatoes:
   • Once the lentils and vegetables are cooked, add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir well to incorporate.
6. Season and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust any other spices if needed.
7. Blend (Optional):
   • For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
8. Serve:
   • Ladle the hot red lentil soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
   • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup just before eating.

Serve the soup hot alongside some crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing goodness of this homemade red lentil soup with your loved ones.