Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the vegetables and lentils.
- Flavorful: The blend of spices and natural sweetness offers a delightful taste.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty starter.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ cup red lentils
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
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Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in the red lentils, salt, ginger, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
-
Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer until the lentils and vegetables are soft, approximately 30 minutes.
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Blend the Soup: Allow the soup to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, puréeing until smooth, then return it to the pot.
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Reheat and Serve: Reheat the soup over medium heat if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of cream after blending for a richer texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a bit of water or broth if the soup is too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lentil?
Yes, you can substitute red lentils with green or brown lentils. However, cooking times may vary, and green or brown lentils will retain their shape more than red lentils.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly. Ensure you use plant-based butter and vegetable broth.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely. Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
How can I make the soup sweeter?
Add a bit of honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables and apple.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, sauté the vegetables and spices in a pan, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the broth and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Blend as directed.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, adding cooked chicken or turkey can provide additional protein. Add it after blending the soup and heat through.
How do I adjust the soup’s thickness?
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, any sweet apple variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp will work well in this soup.
How do I prevent the soup from being too bland?
Ensure you use enough salt and spices. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup is a wholesome and flavorful option that combines the natural sweetness of vegetables and fruits with the heartiness of lentils. It’s perfect for a comforting meal and can be easily customized to suit
Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple, and Red Lentil Soup is a nutritious and hearty meal that combines the natural sweetness of vegetables and apples with the protein-rich red lentils. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and flavor, it’s a perfect comfort food for cooler days.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- ½ cup red lentils
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in the red lentils, salt, ginger, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer until the lentils and vegetables are soft, approximately 30 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Allow the soup to cool slightly. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, puréeing until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Reheat and Serve: Reheat the soup over medium heat if necessary. Serve hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes
- Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of cream after blending for a richer texture.
