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Lentil Soup

A warmly spiced Mediterranean lentil soup simmered with tomatoes, carrots, and cumin until thick and nourishing. Finished with a squeeze of lemon, it's deeply satisfying and naturally vegan.

60 minEasyServes 6290 cal/serving

MediterraneanSoupStovetopVeganHigh FiberGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can canned diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook until softened, about 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp ground turmeric and toast, stirring, for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add 2 cups rinsed dried red lentils, 1 can canned diced tomatoes, 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a boil.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer until lentils are completely soft and soup has thickened, about 30 to 35 minutes.

  5. 5

    Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture, leaving some whole lentils.

  6. 6

    Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and adjust seasoning.

  7. 7

    Ladle into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Questions

Can I make Lentil Soup ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate it up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it.

Can I halve or double Lentil Soup?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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