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What can be warmth in fall or winter better than a satisfying bowl of hot soup? Nothing!! This cozy Red Lentil Soup is a must-try on chilly winter days for too many reasons to count. It is also the right choice for the month of Ramadan.
With pantry staples that you likely have in your home like rice, onions, carrots, and parsley, you are on your way to making this hearty soup to have all for yourself. But if I were you, I would definitely share with my family so they can also reap the benefits 😉.
Cozy Soup for You
Why Make This Tasty Red Lentil Soup?
First of all, this soup is made of healthy ingredients. You know we all need an immunity boost during flu season.
Secondly, it’s a one-pot preparation. So easy to prepare!
Also, this simple red lentil soup recipe is a traditional cozy staple dish in Middle Eastern Countries during the month of Ramadan.
Moreover, it works as a side dish for any lunch or dinner. Even better, you can choose to have it as your main dish and feel full for quite a while!
Are Lentils Nutritious?
Lentils have many health benefits. They are known to be highly nutritious and packed with plant-based protein, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and potassium!
Red lentils are split and cooked quickly. They’re great for making soups and they have a hint of sweetness and nutty flavor.
In addition, they are an excellent source of fiber which aids in regular bowel movements and improves overall gut health.
Since there are many lentil varieties, like red lentils, brown lentils, black lentils, green lentils, and yellow lentils, you will notice that there are a lot of lentil recipes. Make sure to try these hearty lentil soups:
You Will Ask for More
What’s In This Vegan Red Lentil Soup?
- red lentils which are packed with vitamins and are a great source of protein
- rice which is considered a resistant starch and can help improve indigestion
- olive oil or avocado oil which have “good” fats if used appropriately
- onions that contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that promote health
- carrots which improve eye health and reduce the risk of cancer
- cumin spice has many health benefits, it is a good source of iron
- fresh parsley which is a great source of vitamin K and supports bone health
Serving Suggestions
This easy lentil soup is a staple of most Turkish kitchens and it is known as Mercimek Corbasi. Turkish people serve this soup with croutons on top or with a drizzle of oil.
A great way before serving the soup is to add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of lemon zest to your bowl of soup. It will add a little bit of tangy flavor.
Serve this warm bowl of soup with lemon wedges and fresh herbs like parsley on top. Crusty bread will be perfect with this flavorful soup.
Red Lentil Soup Variations
Red lentil soup is more versatile than it may seem. You can add any vegetables of your choice.
The great thing about lentil soup is that it takes on the flavors you add to it. You can infuse whatever flavors appease your palette.
Some variations include adding russet potatoes or sweet potatoes for an even more satisfying texture.
Furthermore, you can add shallots for a more robust flavor.
Some cooks like to use lime juice instead of lemon juice and use chicken stock or vegetable broth for the liquid instead of water.
If you like a spicy version, then you can select a spicy pepper from your spice cabinet: black pepper, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes are a great addition.
Some even add a bit of ginger for an added zing!
The Turkish red lentil soup version includes tomato paste to get a velvety color with loads of flavor.
The Greek version includes adding a combination of bay leaf, dry oregano, and rosemary. For a kick of heat, you can just add a pinch of red chili pepper.
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Tips and Tricks
- Remove the small stones from the red lentils before washing and soaking them in warm water.
- For a creamy red lentil soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in order to reach the creamy consistency you prefer.
- Adjust the number of cups of water If the soup is too thick, add some water to liquefy it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. To make instant pot red lentil soup, add and sauté all required ingredients and then cook them at high pressure for 10 minutes.
It is not recommended to add garam masala to red lentil soup.
Absolutely you can add butter to the red lentil soup recipe. The end result will be a hearty bowl of creamy soup.
If you have leftover lentil soup, then store them in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Reheat red lentil soup in the microwave or on the stovetop. Make sure to deforest it before at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Yes, for sure. You can freeze red lentil soup for up to 3 months. Before you reheat the soup, defrost it for 20 minutes at least or set it in the fridge overnight.
Ingredients
- red lentils
- medium grain rice
- olive or avocado oil
- water
- carrots, cubed or sliced
- onions, cubed
- cumin spice
- lemon juice
- bunch of parsley, chopped
Instructions
First, add red split lentils and rice, wash repeatedly then soak in warm water.
Meanwhile, in a medium pot on medium-high heat add oil, then sauté onions until translucent and semi-caramelized.
Then, add in cubed carrots and sauté for a few minutes, then add the soaked and drained lentils and rice, bouillon cubes, cumin powder, salt, and cold water. Give the ingredients a good stir.
After that, allow the soup to boil then lower to low-medium heat for about 20 minutes.
Once the soup is finished, heat it off to a gentle simmer, then add the remaining ingredients: the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Add more water if you feel you need a looser consistency! Enjoy!
Enjoy The Hearty Flavor
Recipes You May Want To Try
- Ramen Noodle Chicken Soup (Instant Pot)
- Creamy Broccoli & Mushroom Soup
- Hearty Instant Pot Durum Wheat Soup with Beef Shanks
- Vietnamese Pho Soup Recipe
- Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup
- Lentil and Squash Vegan Soup Recipe
- Creamy Veggie Tomato Basil Soup
- Durum Wheat Chicken Soup- Frikeh
- Best Chicken Healing Soup
- Carrot and Sweet Potato Thai Soup
Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups red lentils , 14 oz. bag
- ¼ cup medium grain rice
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 3 quarts water
- 2 cups carrots, cubed
- 2 onions cubed, medium
- 2 tablespoons cumin spice
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ bunch parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Add red split lentils and rice, wash repeatedly then soak in warm water.
- In a medium pot on medium-high heat add oil, then sauté onions until translucent and semi-caramelized.
- Add in cubed carrots and sauté for a few minutes, then add the soaked and drained lentils and rice, cumin powder, salt, and cold water. Give the ingredients a good stir.
- Allow the soup to boil then lower to low-medium heat for about 20 minutes.
- Once the soup is finished, add fresh minced parsley. Add more water if you feel you need a looser consistency. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Remove the small stones from the red lentils before washing and soaking them in warm water.
- For a creamy red lentil soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup in order to reach the creamy consistency you prefer.
- Adjust the number of cups of water If the soup is too thick, add some water to liquefy it.
I loooved this recipe 🤤 so hearty and delicious ❤️👍
So glad you think so!!
I make this lentil soup at least twice a month, so good and so hearty! Thank you!
This lentil soup is on repeat in my house as well! So happy to hear that you enjoy it just as much. Thank you for the review!
This has become my go-to soup. My kids love it and it’s so nutritious and healthy. 5 stars
Love to hear that!!
I just tried this recipe. It s sooooo delicious
Hi Cherine! Makes me happy to hear you enjoyed it 🙂 thank you for leaving me your review!