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Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe

Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe

5 from 20 reviews

This Lemon Lentil Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish that combines the earthy flavors of red lentils with the bright zing of fresh lemon juice. Perfect as a light lunch or starter, this soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices like turmeric and cumin, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Lentils: Stir in the red lentils to coat them with the spice mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until lentils break down and the soup thickens to your preferred consistency.
  4. Add Lemon: Remove soup from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste and adjust lemon juice if more brightness is desired.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding lemon juice.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your preference for tanginess.
  • Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, so stirring occasionally prevents sticking or burning.
  • This soup is vegan and gluten-free by default.
  • To add protein, consider garnishing with a dollop of yogurt or adding cooked chicken for non-vegetarian variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Lemon lentil soup, vegan lentil soup, healthy soup, Middle Eastern soup, turmeric lentil soup, easy lunch recipe