Red Lentil Soup Recipe 🥣
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories per Serving: 367.3
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (15 reviews)
Description:
This aromatic and flavorful Red Lentil Soup is a culinary adventure for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals. With a harmonious blend of spices and hearty lentils, it’s perfect for cozy winter nights or as a satisfying weeknight meal. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference, and get ready to delight your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups red lentils
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground coriander
- 3 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 cup water
- 5 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
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Soak Lentils: In a bowl, place the red lentils and cover them with water. Let them soak for 1 hour, then drain them thoroughly.
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Saute Onions: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and aromatic.
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Spice Infusion: To the sautéed onions, add the salt, chili powder, ground coriander, turmeric, freshly ground pepper, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cayenne, ground cardamom, and ground cloves. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to release their flavors for about 5 minutes.
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Add Lentils: Now, add the soaked and drained lentils to the spice mixture in the saucepan. Pour in the water and chicken broth, stirring everything together until well combined.
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Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the soup simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Optional Puree: At this point, you have the option to enjoy the soup as it is, with tender lentils and aromatic spices. Or, if you prefer a smoother consistency, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to a blender (in batches) and pureeing until smooth. If you choose to puree the soup, remember to reheat it gently before serving.
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Serve: Ladle the piping hot Red Lentil Soup into individual soup bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a dollop of creamy yogurt if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 367.3
- Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 999.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 54.5g
- Fiber: 11.1g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 23.5g
Recipe Notes:
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of chili powder, cayenne, or other spices to suit your palate.
- For a vegan version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
- Serve this Red Lentil Soup with a side of warm crusty bread or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
