Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor with our Red Lentil Soup infused with North African spices! This hearty dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body, making it the perfect meal for any day of the week. With its vibrant colors and rich aromas, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends. Best of all, it comes together in just 40 minutes, allowing you to savor every delightful spoonful without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: North African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the red lentils under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any debris and excess starch. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the pot. Stir well and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and the carrot to begin to tenderize.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Stir the spices into the vegetable mixture, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- After the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup or leave it as is.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added flavor. Enjoy your Red Lentil Soup with North African Spices!
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse red lentils before cooking to remove any debris and excess starch, ensuring a smoother soup texture.
- Sauté for Flavor: Take your time when sautéing the onions and garlic; this step enhances the depth of flavor in your soup.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to tweak the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance. A little goes a long way!
- Texture Preference: If you enjoy a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture or use a potato masher instead of an immersion blender for a rustic finish.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Make it a Meal: Pair the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Store Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 204kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
