Cozy Spiced Lentil Soup Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Name: Spiced Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 2 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

May 31, 2025

Updated:

May 31, 2025

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The aroma of spiced lentil soup wafts through the air, bringing warmth to the heart and comfort to the soul. Each spoonful is a dance of flavors, with earthy lentils mingling with fragrant spices, creating a symphony of taste that makes your taste buds sing.

I remember the first time I made this spiced lentil soup; it was a chilly evening, and my friends gathered around the table, eagerly awaiting a bowl of this cozy goodness. Little did they know, I was about to turn them into soup enthusiasts!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This spiced lentil soup is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite
You can customize the spices based on your mood or pantry staples
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests
Ideal for meal prep, this soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed any day of the week

There was that one dinner where my friend Sarah took her first sip and exclaimed, “This is like a hug in a bowl!” That moment solidified our friendship over warm bowls of spiced lentil soup.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Green or Brown Lentils: These hold their shape well during cooking and provide hearty texture.
Onion: A must for building flavor; use yellow onions for sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; crushed or minced works beautifully.
Carrots: They bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to your soup.
Celery: Adds crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Canned Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes for acidity that brightens up the dish.
Vegetable Broth: This forms the base; low-sodium broth helps control saltiness.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric): These are essential for that warm spice blend; feel free to adjust based on preference.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies; choose high-quality oil for better flavor.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash at the end provides freshness and balances richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sauté Your Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.

Add Your Lentils and Spices: Toss in rinsed lentils along with cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir well to coat everything evenly in those aromatic spices for about two minutes.

Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Add vegetable broth along with canned tomatoes. Bring everything to a lively boil while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover your pot. Allow it to simmer for about 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally as it cooks.

Add Freshness with Lemon Juice : Once cooked, stir in lemon juice for brightness before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — more salt or pepper can work wonders!

Enjoy ladling this delightful spiced lentil soup into bowls! As you do so, take a moment to admire its vibrant colors before diving in—trust me; it’s worth savoring each bite!

You Must Know

Spiced lentil soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients
The rich flavors will warm your soul, and the aroma will have everyone running to the kitchen
Perfect for meal prep, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and spices for depth. Then add lentils and broth, simmer until tender. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines through in flavor.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap vegetable broth for chicken broth or add a splash of coconut milk for creaminess. You can also toss in your favorite veggies like carrots or spinach.

Storing & Reheating

Store spiced lentil soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When cooking lentils, rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt; this makes a big difference in taste
Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings according to your preference
Letting the soup sit overnight enhances its flavors even more!

Sharing my first experience making spiced lentil soup still brings a smile; my friends couldn’t get enough, asking for seconds and thirds!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I freeze spiced lentil soup?

Yes, spiced lentil soup freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.

What type of lentils work best?

Brown or green lentils are ideal; they hold their shape well during cooking.

How can I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to ramp up the heat level!

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