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Hearty Red Lentil Soup: A Comforting and Nutritious Bowl of Goodness
When the weather turns chilly or you’re looking for a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make, Hearty Red Lentil Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of spices, this soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Red lentils cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them the star ingredient in this hearty and comforting dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this red lentil soup is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Let’s dive into why this soup is a go-to for so many and how you can make it in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Hearty Red Lentil Soup
- Nutritious and Filling: Red lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. This makes the soup a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Unlike many soups that require long simmering times, red lentils cook quickly, making this soup ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- One-Pot Wonder: This soup is a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes to wash—a huge win in any kitchen! Simply sauté, simmer, and you’re done.
- Budget-Friendly: Red lentils are inexpensive and readily available in most grocery stores, making this an affordable meal option for families and individuals alike.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Add extra veggies, toss in some greens, or add a bit of heat with spices like cayenne pepper—there’s no wrong way to make it!
Ingredients for Hearty Red Lentil Soup
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for added warmth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale for added greens
How to Make Hearty Red Lentil Soup
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their fragrance.
2. Add Spices and Tomatoes
Add the ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cinnamon (if using) to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, allowing the flavors to bloom for 1 minute. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cook for another 2 minutes. The tomatoes will start to break down and meld with the spices, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
3. Add Lentils and Broth
Next, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, stirring to combine with the vegetables and spices. Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and stir again. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
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