Hearty Red Lentil Soup

Name: Hearty Red Lentil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 large Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 1 1/2 cups Red Lentils; 6 cups Vegetable Broth; 1 teaspoon Cumin; 1/2 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 Lemon

A classic, nourishing Mediterranean lentil soup simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices. Simple to make and incredibly flavorful.

10mPrep

35mCook

45mTotal

6Servings

11Ingredients

Ingredients

Olive Oil2 tablespoons
Onion1 large
Garlic3 cloves
Tomato Paste2 tablespoons
Red Lentils1 1/2 cups
Vegetable Broth6 cups
Cumin1 teaspoon
Paprika1/2 teaspoon
Salt1 teaspoon
Black Pepper1/2 teaspoon
Lemon1

Steps

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and add them to the pot along with the vegetable broth.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are completely soft and have started to break down.
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice in each bowl.

Tips

Rinsing lentils before cooking helps remove any debris and excess starch.
Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, which naturally thickens the soup without needing flour or cream.
A dollop of plain yogurt or a swirl of olive oil on top before serving adds extra richness and flavor.