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Spiced Red Lentil Soup

A warming, velvety soup with cumin, turmeric, and a bright lemon finish — on the table in 30 minutes.

Ready in 30 min
Serves 5
Bowl of spiced red lentil soup with a swirl of coconut milk and fresh herbs

Kim's note

Red lentils dissolve as they cook — that's what makes this soup naturally creamy without any blending. Stir it at the end and watch it come together. It's almost magic.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced organic tomatoes
  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil, to serve

How to make it

  1. 1

    Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 6 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute. Add the cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and cayenne and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Pour in the tomatoes and cook 2 minutes, stirring to lift the spices from the bottom of the pot.

  4. 4

    Add the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer.

  5. 5

    Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have completely dissolved into the broth and the soup is thick and velvety.

  6. 6

    Stir in the lemon juice and season generously with salt. Ladle into bowls and finish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of good olive oil.

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Every recipe is organic, plant-based, and tested the way a chef tests it.

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