Description
A comforting and hearty soup made with deeply caramelized onions, tender red lentils, and warming spices simmered together for a rich and nourishing bowl. This simple one-pot vegan soup delivers creamy texture and balanced flavor with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 carrots, diced
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a small pinch of salt and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and well combined with the onions.
- Add the diced carrots and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Pour in the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender and the soup thickens.
- Blend the soup using an immersion blender if a smoother texture is desired, or leave partially chunky for a rustic style.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
Blend the entire soup for a creamy texture or leave it partially chunky for a rustic style.
Add a handful of spinach or chopped kale near the end of cooking for extra nutrition.
A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can add gentle heat.
A small splash of coconut milk can make the soup richer and creamier.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
