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To make a cozy bowl of spiced lentil soup, you need a few key items. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 bay leaf - Fresh salt and cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving These ingredients come together to make a rich, hearty soup. The lentils provide protein and fiber. The spices add warmth and depth. You can boost the soup's flavor with a few extra ingredients. Here are some ideas: - 1 teaspoon turmeric for a golden hue - 1 teaspoon ginger for a spicy kick - 1 tablespoon soy sauce for umami - 1 cup spinach or kale for added greens - A splash of red wine for richness Feel free to mix and match these options. They can enhance the taste and nutrition. This spiced lentil soup is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving: - Calories: Approximately 220 - Protein: 12 grams - Fiber: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 35 grams - Fat: 5 grams Lentils are great for your heart. They help keep you full and satisfied. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To make a great spiced lentil soup, gather your ingredients first. This helps you stay organized and ready. You will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 bay leaf - Fresh salt and cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish - Lemon wedges, for serving Now, wash the lentils well. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, throw in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing as the veggies soften. Now add the spices: cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir them in for about 1 minute. This toasts the spices, making them taste even better. Then, pour in the rinsed lentils and the can of diced tomatoes with juices. Add the vegetable broth and bay leaf. Turn up the heat until it boils. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir it sometimes to stop it from sticking. After 30 to 35 minutes, the lentils should be tender. Check the soup and remove the bay leaf. Now, season it with salt and black pepper. If the soup feels too thick, just stir in more vegetable broth. You can make it just how you like. Serve the soup hot. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh taste. Enjoy your warm, cozy bowl of spiced lentil soup! For the full recipe, refer to the details above. When cooking lentils, rinse them well. This step removes dust and small stones. Use the right type of lentils for your soup. Green and brown lentils work best. They hold their shape and add texture to the soup. Always check lentils for any bad ones before cooking. Soaking lentils is not needed; they cook fast. To boost flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice. The acidity brightens the soup's taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth. You can also mix in leafy greens like spinach or kale. For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before serving. Adding a dollop of yogurt on top can also enhance flavor. Avoid overcooking lentils. They should be tender but not mushy. If your soup turns too thick, add more broth. This keeps your soup light and flavorful. Don’t forget to taste as you cook! Adjusting salt and spices early can make a big difference. Lastly, always remove the bay leaf before serving. It can be tough and bitter. For the full recipe, check back to the main section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of 63. Spiced Lentil Soup by adding different ingredients. For a heartier option, try using sweet potatoes or butternut squash. These add sweetness and creaminess. If you want more protein, add chopped cooked chicken or turkey. You can also swap the lentils for split peas or chickpeas. Each choice will give the soup a unique taste. This soup is flexible for many diets. If you are vegan, the original recipe is already perfect. Just stick with vegetable broth. For gluten-free needs, make sure to use gluten-free broth. You can also make it low-carb by skipping the carrots or using zucchini instead. This way, you can enjoy the soup while sticking to your diet goals. Changing the spices can bring new life to your soup. If you want a hint of warmth, add some ginger. For a fresh twist, use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also adjust the heat level. If you love spice, add more cayenne or some crushed red pepper. For a milder flavor, skip the cayenne altogether. Each option will make your soup fun and exciting! Storing leftover spiced lentil soup is simple. First, let the soup cool down. Once it's cool, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you think you won't eat it soon, consider freezing it. To reheat your soup, you have two main options: the stove or the microwave. If you use the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir it often so it warms evenly. This helps keep the flavor strong. If you choose the microwave, place the soup in a safe bowl. Heat it for one minute, then stir. Keep heating in short bursts until hot. Always check the temperature before serving. Freezing spiced lentil soup is a great way to save it for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space in the container for expansion. Label the container with the date. This helps you know how long it has been in the freezer. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as usual for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check it out and enjoy making this comforting dish! I recommend using green or brown lentils for this soup. They hold their shape well during cooking. They also add a hearty texture to the dish. Red lentils can work too, but they tend to break down and get mushy. If you want a soup with a solid base, stick to green or brown lentils. Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just follow the same steps, but instead of stovetop cooking, add everything to the slow cooker. Set it on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a warm meal ready when you are. To make the soup spicier, add more cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili peppers. You can also stir in hot sauce at the end to kick up the heat. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or remove it altogether. Taste as you go so you can find your perfect spice level! In this article, we explored how to make 63. Spiced Lentil Soup. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and avoiding mistakes. You can also adapt the recipe for different diets and preferences. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating to maintain taste. This soup is easy to make and full of nutrients. Enjoy creating your own version!

63. Spiced Lentil Soup

Warm up your meal prep with this delicious spiced lentil soup recipe! Packed with hearty lentils, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices, this soup is as comforting as it is healthy. Perfect for cozy dinners, it’s easy to make in just under 45 minutes. Don’t miss out on the bright flavor from cilantro and lemon! Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking a bowl of goodness today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 celery stalks, trimmed and diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices

6 cups vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

Fresh salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and starts to soften.

    Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

      Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine these spices and toast them in the pot for about 1 minute, enhancing their flavors.

        Pour in the thoroughly rinsed lentils and add the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. Next, carefully pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

          Once the soup reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            After the lentils are cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season it generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. If the consistency is too thick for your liking, stir in additional vegetable broth until desired thickness is achieved.

              Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice to add a refreshing brightness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Pour the soup into rustic bowls and add a sprig of cilantro on top for added color. Serve with freshly baked crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.