Imagine a soup so velvety, so packed with nutrients, that it feels like a warm hug for your taste buds and your body. Our Silky Lentil Soup is not just another recipe – it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious, flavor-packed experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe is your ultimate solution to delicious dining.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Global
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of red lentils, 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove any dust or impurities. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the diced carrots and diced celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric and cumin, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Allow the spices to cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Once the lentils are cooked, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, whether you prefer it silky smooth or with some texture. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
- After blending, return the soup to the pot and reheat gently if necessary. Adjust the seasoning again if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Silky Lentil Soup!
- For variations, consider adding a splash of coconut milk for creaminess, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or incorporating different spices such as smoked paprika or ginger for added depth of flavor.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse red lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean, pure flavor.
- Spice Timing Matters: Toast your spices like turmeric and cumin for about a minute before adding liquids to release their full aromatic potential.
- Consistency is Key: Use an immersion blender for ultimate control over your soup's texture. Want it super smooth? Blend longer. Prefer some texture? Pulse briefly.
- Flavor Boosters: Don't be afraid to experiment! A splash of coconut milk, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate this soup from good to extraordinary.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup actually tastes better the next day, so it's perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh dimension that cuts through the soup's richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
