Description
This Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines aromatic spices with hearty vegetables and protein-rich lentils. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests with its vibrant color and exotic flavors.
Ingredients
Spices:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large onion chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Main:
1 pound carrots peeled and chopped, 1 cup red lentils rinsed, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 can 14-ounce diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, juice of 1 lemon, fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne; toast for 30 seconds.
- Cook Soup: Add carrots, lentils, broth, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until carrots are tender and lentils cooked.
- Puree: Blend soup until smooth. Adjust seasoning, stir in lemon juice.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy hot.
Notes
- You can substitute sweet potatoes for some of the carrots for a sweeter flavor.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk before serving.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
