Golden Lentil Soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that warms the soul. It’s packed with hearty lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it a perfect choice for any meal. This recipe shines not just for its comforting flavors but also for its health benefits, suitable for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
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Why You’ll Love This Golden Lentil Soup
This soup is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It combines the earthiness of lentils with a blend of spices like turmeric and cumin, creating a delightful depth of flavor. Rich in protein and fiber, Golden Lentil Soup nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds. Plus, it can easily be modified to suit your dietary preferences or ingredients on hand.
Golden Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Finely dice onion, carrots, celery. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water until clear.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery, sauté for another 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push vegetables aside, add turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) to the cleared space.
- Toast spices in oil for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Stir spices into the vegetables.
- Add rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to coat.
- Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add diced tomatoes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very soft and the soup has thickened.
- Add more liquid if desired consistency is thinner.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion or all of the soup to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!How to Make Golden Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp oil for frying (olive, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1.5 cups red lentils or yellow split lentils, rinsed thoroughly
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water (or more broth)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional)
- 1 large lemon, juiced (2-3 tbsp)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Plain yogurt or sour cream (dairy or non-dairy, for garnish, optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread or warm naan (for serving, optional)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
Finely dice onion, carrots, celery. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water until clear. - Sauté Aromatics:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add carrots and celery, sauté for another 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. - Bloom Spices:
Push vegetables aside, add turmeric, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using) to the cleared space. Toast in oil for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Stir spices into the vegetables. - Add Lentils and Liquids:
Add rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to coat. Pour in vegetable broth and water. Add diced tomatoes (if using). Stir well to combine. - Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very soft and the soup has thickened. Add more liquid if desired consistency is thinner. - Optional Blending:
For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion or all of the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender. - Season and Finish:
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens all the flavors. - Garnish and Serve:
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, a drizzle of olive oil, and/or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or naan.
How to Serve Golden Lentil Soup
Golden Lentil Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm naan for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. Feel free to include toppings like yogurt, cilantro, or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance flavor and texture.
How to Store Golden Lentil Soup
Store leftover Golden Lentil Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if needed.
Tips to Make Golden Lentil Soup Perfect
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more liquid while cooking.
- For more texture, reserve some lentils and stir them in at the end.
- Let the soup sit for a few hours or overnight for even better flavor.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding different vegetables or beans. Spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes can make a great addition. If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. For a protein boost, stir in chickpeas or cooked turkey bacon.
Pro Tips for Success
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris.
- Toasting the spices brings out their flavors, so don’t skip that step.
- Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
- If you have leftovers, they may thicken as they sit. Just add a splash of broth or water to thin it out when reheating.
FAQs About Golden Lentil Soup
Can I use green or brown lentils instead?
Yes, you can use green or brown lentils, but the cooking time will vary. Green and brown lentils hold their shape better, so the soup will be more textured. You may need to simmer them longer until they are tender.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, Golden Lentil Soup is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure any garnishes you use, like yogurt or sour cream, are plant-based if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make Golden Lentil Soup in a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics on the stove before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Final Thoughts
Golden Lentil Soup is more than just a comforting dish; it’s a nourishing experience that brings people together. With its vibrant flavors and rich ingredients, this soup is sure to delight friends and family alike. Try making it for your next meal and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it provides. Enjoy every spoonful of this delicious soup!