![To make a tasty spiced lentil soup, gather these key ingredients: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 6 cups vegetable broth - 1 bay leaf - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a warm and filling soup. The lentils are the star, giving protein and fiber. The spices add a nice kick and depth of flavor. You can make your soup even better with extra touches. Here are some fun ideas: - Avocado slices for creaminess - Chopped green onions for a fresh crunch - A dollop of yogurt for richness - A sprinkle of feta cheese for a tangy twist These add-ins not only add flavor but also make the soup look pretty. If you need to change the amounts, here are some quick tips: - 1 cup equals 240 ml - 1 tablespoon equals 15 ml - 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml If you want to double the recipe, just multiply each amount by two. This way, you can share the joy of this soup with more people! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This oil adds great flavor. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes. You want it to turn soft and clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these for another 5 minutes. Stir them often until the veggies soften. This mix of aromatics forms the base of your soup. Once your aromatics are ready, it's time to add the lentils. Pour in the rinsed green or brown lentils. Then, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. This broth gives your soup deep taste. Bring the mix to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender. After the lentils cook, remove the bay leaf. This step is important, as the leaf does not taste good. Season your soup with salt and pepper. If it seems too thick, you can add more broth. Adjust it to your liking. Finally, serve the soup hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Enjoy your warm, spiced lentil soup! You can find the full recipe [here]. To get the richest taste, use fresh spices. Ground spices lose their kick over time. I recommend buying whole spices and grinding them. This adds a nice depth to your soup. Also, let your spices toast for a minute before adding liquid. This step brings out their natural oils and flavors. Cooking lentils is easy. Rinse them well to remove dirt. I prefer green or brown lentils for this soup. They hold their shape better. Always check the cooking time on the package. Most lentils need 20 to 30 minutes. If you overcook them, they can turn mushy. Serve the soup hot for the best experience. A dollop of yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish and adds flavor. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on top. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a salad. This soup is filling and perfect for any day. Try the [Full Recipe] for more details! {{image_2}} This spiced lentil soup is naturally vegetarian and vegan. You can keep it plant-based by using vegetable broth. If you want creaminess, add a dollop of coconut milk. It gives the soup a rich taste without losing its core flavors. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or kale, for added nutrition. If you want to boost the protein, there are great options. You can add cooked chickpeas or diced tofu. Both mix well with the flavors. If you enjoy meat, try adding shredded chicken or turkey. This addition can make the soup heartier and more filling. You can change the soup's flavor by using different spices. Try adding turmeric for a warm, earthy taste. A splash of soy sauce or a bit of ginger can bring a new twist. Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Each change adds a unique flavor to your bowl. To store leftover spiced lentil soup, let it cool first. Then, pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. Label the container with the date so you remember when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out. You can also microwave it. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. If you want to save your spiced lentil soup for later, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy the flavors of your delicious soup again! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use various lentils in this soup. Green and brown lentils work best. They hold their shape well during cooking. Red lentils cook faster and become soft, creating a creamier texture. If you use red lentils, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Mixing lentils can also add unique flavors and textures. This spiced lentil soup is naturally gluten-free! The ingredients, like lentils and vegetables, do not contain gluten. Always check your vegetable broth to ensure it is gluten-free. Some broths may have added ingredients that contain gluten. As long as you select the right broth, you can enjoy this soup worry-free. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for: - Not rinsing lentils: Rinse them well before cooking to remove dust and debris. - Overcooking the lentils: Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness. - Skipping the spices: The spices add depth, so don’t skip them! - Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll create a flavorful and nourishing soup. For the full recipe, check the section above. This blog post walks you through making spiced lentil soup, from essential ingredients to cooking tips. You learned how to prepare the soup with aromatics, finish it with flavorful seasonings, and serve it perfectly. With variations for different diets and easy storage tips, you'll enjoy this dish anytime. Remember, cooking is about exploring flavors, so have fun with it. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of spiced lentil soup!](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/8505bcbc-e76d-49ee-a85a-9fa1b9dff162-300x300.webp)
63. Spiced Lentil Soup
Warm up with this delicious spiced lentil soup that's bursting with flavor! Packed with nutritious lentils, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices, this recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. In under an hour, you can whip up a comforting bowl of goodness that's both healthy and satisfying. Ready to savor a bowl? Click through to discover the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!