Grandma’s Red Lentil Soup
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Red Lentil Soup: A Middle Eastern Delight
Looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful soup to warm you up? Look no further than our vibrant Red Lentil Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a taste of the Middle East, packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Red lentils cook quickly, making this soup a fantastic option when you’re short on time. But don’t let the speed fool you – the flavor is complex and deeply satisfying. The combination of aromatic ginger, garlic, and warming spices creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
What makes this Red Lentil Soup special?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes!
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Flavorful & Aromatic: A delightful blend of Middle Eastern spices.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, main course, or side dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Tips for the Perfect Soup:
- Rinsing the Lentils: Don’t skip rinsing the lentils! This removes any debris and helps prevent the soup from becoming too starchy.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick.
- Blending for Creaminess: Blending a portion of the soup creates a lovely creamy texture without the need for cream.
- Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different lentils?
A: While red lentils are preferred for their quick cooking time and creamy texture, you can use other types of lentils. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, red lentil soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread for dipping is a classic pairing. You can also serve it with a side salad or some warm pita bread.
Q: Is this soup good for meal prepping?
A: Yes! It’s perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Red Lentil Soup as much as we do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and nourished.
Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
- Dice the carrot and onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the parsley.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ginger and garlic and sauté for 20 seconds.
- Incorporate the carrot and tomato paste and sauté for 2 more minutes.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender and fully cooked.
- Blend a portion of the soup and add it back into the pot.
- Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley. The red lentil soup is now ready to enjoy with a side of crusty bread.
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