Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Red lentils are one of those ingredients that are incredibly versatile, nutritious, and easy to work with, yet often overlooked. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they’re perfect for creating hearty, filling dishes that nourish the body. One of the simplest, most comforting ways to enjoy red lentils is in a warm bowl of soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, whether it’s a chilly evening or just the perfect midday pick-me-up.

In this article, I’m going to walk you through a fantastic Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe that’s not only delicious but also super simple to make. This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to spices like cumin and turmeric, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to tweak it to fit your tastes. If you’re looking for a soup that’s healthy, hearty, and full of rich flavors, this one will definitely hit the spot.

This Easy Red Lentil Soup is ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s a one-pot recipe that takes less than an hour to make, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep. The base is made with simple pantry staples, and from there, you can build layers of flavor with spices, vegetables, and stock.

You can enjoy this soup on its own or pair it with a piece of warm, crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s also perfect for freezing, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for weeks to come. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, and you likely already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Cup Red Lentils

Red lentils cook quickly and break down into a creamy texture, making them perfect for soups and stews.
1 Medium Onion

This adds a base of sweetness and depth to the soup.
2 Garlic Cloves

Garlic is a must for a strong aromatic foundation. It enhances the flavor of the other ingredients without overpowering them.
1 Large Carrot

Carrots provide a natural sweetness and balance the earthy flavor of the lentils.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

For sautéing the vegetables and bringing out their flavors.
1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin

Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of citrusy undertones. It’s a key spice in this recipe.
1 Teaspoon Turmeric

Turmeric offers a mild bitterness and an unmistakable golden hue to the soup. It’s also packed with anti-inflammatory properties.
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

Coriander adds a hint of citrus and a subtle earthy taste, rounding out the spices beautifully.
4 Cups Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth)

The broth is the liquid base for the soup, adding depth and richness. Vegetable broth keeps it plant-based, but chicken broth works well if you’re not vegan.
Salt And Pepper To Taste

These are essential for seasoning the soup and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

A dash of lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the lentils and spices.
Fresh Cilantro (for Garnish)

This is optional, but fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a refreshing, herby flavor to finish the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make this easy and delicious red lentil soup.

Prep Your Ingredients.

Start by dicing the onion and carrot. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. This makes the cooking process go smoothly and quickly.
Sauté The Aromatics.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Spices Go In.

Now it’s time to add the cumin, turmeric, and ground coriander. Stir the spices into the onions and garlic, letting them bloom in the oil for about a minute. This step intensifies their flavors.
Add The Vegetables And Lentils.

Add the diced carrot and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the lentils and carrots are well-coated with the aromatic mixture.
Pour In The Broth.

Pour the vegetable (or chicken) broth into the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and broken down, and the carrots are tender.
Blend (optional).

If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it with an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. If you want a chunkier texture, skip this step.
Final Touches.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little acidity, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Red Lentils: Red lentils are unique because they cook faster than other types of lentils and break down into a creamy texture, making them perfect for soups. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and iron, making them a nutritious choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Spices: Cumin, turmeric, and coriander are foundational to the flavor profile of this soup. Together, they create a warm, aromatic base that is deeply satisfying. The turmeric, in particular, offers anti-inflammatory benefits, which is why it’s often included in healing recipes.
Carrots: Carrots add both sweetness and color to the soup, balancing the earthy lentils and spices. They’re also packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which is great for skin and eye health.
Broth: The choice of broth (vegetable or chicken) will change the flavor profile. Vegetable broth keeps the soup plant-based, while chicken broth adds a savory richness. Either way, the broth is essential for creating a flavorful base.

Expert Tips

Cooking the lentils perfectly: To prevent the lentils from becoming too mushy, be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooked lentils can turn into a puree, which might not be the texture you’re going for. Check for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Adjusting the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences. If you like a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a deeper flavor, try adding a cinnamon stick or a bay leaf while the soup simmers.
Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a small amount of coconut milk or cream toward the end of cooking. This will give the soup a rich, velvety consistency.
Use a good-quality broth: Since the broth is the foundation of the soup, the quality really matters. Choose a low-sodium broth so you can control the salt content and ensure a clean, fresh flavor.

Recipe Variations

Vegetable-packed version: Add chopped spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup. These ingredients pair well with the spices and add extra nutrients.
Spicy red lentil soup: Add diced tomatoes and a chopped chili pepper for some heat. A dollop of Greek yogurt on top can also help balance the spice.
Lentil stew: To make this soup thicker, reduce the amount of broth and let it simmer longer until it reaches a stew-like consistency.
Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Blend at the end for a smoother texture.

Final Words

Making an easy and flavorful Red Lentil Soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy, comforting meal. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day, meal prep for the week, or simply enjoy a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s customizable, easy to make, and will have you feeling nourished and satisfied.

Easy Red Lentil Soup Recipe