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The Absolute Best Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 53 reviews

This hearty and flavorful lentil soup combines tender red lentils with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and nutritious spinach to create a comforting meal. Perfectly seasoned with curry powder, cumin, and thyme, this soup is a nourishing option that’s easy to prepare and ideal for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 cups baby spinach (about 5 ounces)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried red lentils (about 1 pound), rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Liquids

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the carrots and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. This preps the aromatics and vegetables for sautéing.
  2. Rinse the Lentils: Place the dried red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer, pick out any broken or discolored lentils, and rinse under cool running water until clear. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced carrots and onion. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Spices: Add minced garlic, curry powder, ground cumin, dried thyme, and kosher salt to the pot. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Add Lentils and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed lentils, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender, about 18 to 22 minutes.
  7. Wilt the Spinach: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the baby spinach until it wilts.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, making the soup thick and creamy without pureeing.
  • You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preference.
  • Adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding a pinch of cayenne can add heat.
  • For vegan or vegetarian options, use vegetable broth and ensure your tomato sauce contains no animal products.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: lentil soup, red lentils, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, easy dinner, comfort food, curry soup

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/the-absolute-best-lentil-soup-recipe/