The Coziest Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Steaming bowls of hearty red lentil soup can warm even the chilliest afternoon.

My grandmother’s recipe has secrets that make this dish extraordinary.

Comfort arrives quickly with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.

Earthy spices dance through each spoonful, creating layers of rich flavor.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected these delightful soup traditions over generations.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a nutritious meal anyone can master.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this recipe comes together and satisfies hungry souls.

Why Red Lentil Soup Is a Healthy Comfort Food

• Packed with protein-rich lentils and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome, hearty dish that nourishes your body and satisfies hunger without complex preparation.
• Flexible recipe allows quick personalization by adding different herbs, spices, or toppings, transforming the soup to match your taste preferences or dietary needs in minutes.
• Fast cooking time and straightforward steps make this soup an ideal solution for hectic evenings when you want a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Red Lentil Soup

• Red Lentils: A protein-packed legume that provides a hearty base for the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook and season the lentils.
• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that create a delicious foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: A sweet vegetable that adds natural sweetness and nutrition.

• Cumin, Coriander: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Red Lentil Soup Simply

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame, creating a welcoming environment for your vegetables.

Step 2: Soften the Onion Base

• Onion

Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and soft, releasing its sweet aroma after about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and let it dance in the oil for another minute, infusing a rich flavor.

Step 3: Introduce Carrots to the Party

• Carrots

Toss in the diced carrots and let them mingle with the aromatic base for roughly 3 minutes, softening their texture.

Step 4: Blend Spices and Legumes

• Red lentils
• Cumin
• Coriander

Combine the rinsed red lentils with cumin and coriander, stirring to ensure each ingredient is well-acquainted.

Step 5: Create a Flavorful Liquid Bath

• Vegetable broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer uncovered, letting the lentils become tender over about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Ladle the warm soup into bowls.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Flavorful Red Lentil Soup

• Wash red lentils carefully to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean and pure soup base.
• Add extra vegetable broth if the soup becomes too thick during cooking, maintaining a smooth and creamy texture.
• Toast cumin and coriander seeds briefly before grinding to release more intense, aromatic flavors into the soup.
• Sprinkle nutritional yeast or add a splash of lemon juice at the end to increase protein content and brighten the overall taste profile.
• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and ensuring a quick, delicious meal is always available.

Storing and Reheating Red Lentil Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if soup seems too thick.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature before serving.

Best Pairings for Red Lentil Soup

• Elevate Taste with Perfect Pairings
• Crumble Tangy Feta Cheese: Sprinkle creamy, salty feta over the soup to add a rich, sharp contrast that cuts through the earthy lentil flavor.
• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Toast thick slices of tangy sourdough to dip into the soup, providing a crunchy texture and complementary sour notes.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc to refresh the palate and balance the soup's warmth and spices.
• Serve with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a zesty herb-infused olive oil on top to enhance the soup's aromatic profile and add a silky, bright finish.

Variations on Red Lentil Soup to Try

• Spicy Moroccan Kick: Add harissa paste and smoked paprika for a bold, warming flavor profile that transforms the soup into a North African-inspired dish.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Replace vegetable broth with coconut milk and add yellow curry powder for a creamy, Southeast Asian-inspired version that's rich and aromatic.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Incorporate diced tofu or tempeh during the sautéing stage to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Stir in fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, then top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired rendition that brings bright, herbaceous notes to the soup.

FAQs

• Are red lentils nutritious?

Red lentils are packed with protein, fiber, iron, and folate. They’re low in calories and help support heart health and digestion.

• Do I need to soak red lentils before cooking?

No, red lentils don’t require soaking. They cook quickly and soften faster than other lentil varieties, making them perfect for quick meals.

• Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly?

Yes, this red lentil soup is both vegetarian and vegan. It uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for those dietary choices.

Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warming comfort meets Mediterranean simplicity in this red lentil soup, blending aromatic spices with creamy legumes. Hearty and nourishing, each spoonful transports you to sun-drenched kitchens where tradition and flavor dance together.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cooking Liquid and Fat:

• Olive oil for sauteing

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, gently sautéing chopped onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 60 seconds, allowing aromatic flavors to develop.
3. Incorporate diced carrots into the pot, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness for roughly 3 minutes.
4. Add thoroughly rinsed red lentils, then sprinkle cumin and coriander, stirring to ensure even distribution of spices throughout the mixture.
5. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, raising heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow soup to cook uncovered for 20 minutes, periodically checking lentils for tenderness and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once lentils have reached a soft, creamy consistency and vegetables are perfectly cooked, remove from heat.
8. Ladle the warm, fragrant soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped herbs for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and reduce potential digestive discomfort.
• Choose low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content and create a healthier version of the soup.
• Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the earthy lentil taste.
• For a protein boost, top with crumbled feta cheese or roasted pumpkin seeds to make the soup more filling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg