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To make this warm and filling spiced lentil soup, gather these simple items: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, for garnish You can mix in some extra ingredients to make the soup even better: - 1 bay leaf for depth - 1 teaspoon ginger for warmth - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness - 1 cup spinach or kale for added greens These options add layers of taste and nutrients. This spiced lentil soup is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Each serving offers: - Approximately 200 calories - 12 grams of protein - 15 grams of fiber - Low in fat, especially if you skip the cayenne Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein. This soup keeps you full and satisfied while nourishing your body. Enjoy this hearty dish, and if you want the full recipe, you can find it above. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander - 1 teaspoon turmeric - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, for garnish Wash your lentils well to remove any dust. Dice your onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces for even cooking. This prep makes the soup tasty and nice to eat. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. 2. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The smell will be amazing! 3. Toss in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if you like some heat. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. This step brings out their full flavor. 4. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the vegetable broth. 5. Bring the soup to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook for about 25-30 minutes. Stir it now and then until the lentils are tender. 6. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, pour in some extra broth or water until you like the texture. 7. When ready, serve the soup hot. Top it with fresh parsley for a bright finish. I love to serve spiced lentil soup with crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for dipping. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. Enjoy this hearty soup with family or friends. It warms the heart and fills the belly! For the full recipe, check out the section on ingredients. When making spiced lentil soup, avoid using old lentils. They may not cook well. Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove dirt and debris. If you skip the sauté step, you miss out on flavor. Do not forget to season the soup later; it enhances taste. To boost flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. This brightens the soup. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill also add a nice touch. Consider using homemade vegetable broth for more depth. Toast the spices before adding other ingredients. This brings out their true essence. If you want a thicker soup, blend part of it with an immersion blender. This keeps some texture while making it creamy. You can also add more lentils or reduce the broth. Simmer longer to thicken naturally. For a heartier option, try adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily make this spiced lentil soup vegetarian or vegan. The base recipe is already plant-based. Just use vegetable broth, which is perfect for both diets. For added protein, toss in some chopped kale or spinach. They will give extra flavor and nutrients. You can also add chickpeas for more texture. This soup is filling and healthy without any animal products. If you love heat, this soup can pack a punch! You can add more cayenne pepper for spice. Try fresh jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle peppers. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers for sweetness. These add-ins can enhance the soup while keeping it balanced. While green or brown lentils work best, you can try other types too. Red lentils cook quickly and turn soft, making the soup creamy. Black lentils add a nice bite and color. Each type has its own taste and texture, so feel free to experiment. You can even mix different lentils for a fun twist. Try each one and see which you love most! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your spiced lentil soup, let it cool. Pour any leftovers into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. The soup stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. If you want to keep the soup longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the soup to cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. The soup can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, just pour it into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring often. If frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a pot. You can also use a microwave, stirring every minute. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Enjoy this hearty meal warm! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Spiced lentil soup will last in the fridge for about 5 days. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and bright. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make spiced lentil soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in a pan. Then, add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the soup very tasty. Spiced lentil soup pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Crusty bread - Rice or quinoa - A fresh green salad - Grilled cheese sandwiches These options add texture and flavor to your meal. Yes, feel free to add more vegetables. Spinach, kale, or bell peppers work great. Just chop them and add them during cooking. This adds more nutrients and color to your soup. Yes, spiced lentil soup is gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe for people with gluten allergies. It’s a hearty option for everyone to enjoy. You can use canned lentils if you're short on time. Rinse and drain them before adding to your soup. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat through. To adjust spice, add cayenne pepper to taste. You can also use less or skip it altogether. For a milder soup, add more broth and veggies to balance flavors. Green or brown lentils work best for this soup. They hold their shape during cooking and add a nice texture. Avoid red lentils, as they become mushy. Yes, you can make it ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits. Just store in the fridge or freeze. Reheat before serving for a warm meal. Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add great flavor. Just add them at the end to keep their taste vibrant. Experiment and find your favorite mix! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided earlier. In this post, we covered key ingredients for spiced lentil soup, preparation, cooking, and serving steps. I shared some tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. You learned about variations like vegetarian options and different lentils. Lastly, we discussed storage, including best practices for leftovers. By following these steps, you can enjoy a hearty bowl of soup anytime. Dive in and experiment with your own flavors! You’ll love the warm taste and simple steps. Let your soup journey begin!

83. Spiced Lentil Soup

Warm your soul with this hearty spiced lentil soup that's packed with flavor and nutrition! This easy recipe features lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a perfect comfort meal for any occasion. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious bowl that’s not only healthy but also a delight for your taste buds.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups vegetable broth

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon turmeric

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

    Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

        Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot.

          Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency.

              Once cooked, serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4