Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

Warm, hearty, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Red Lentil Soup with Lemon is a comforting bowl of nourishment that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Featuring protein-packed red lentils, tender carrots, and a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, this soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the earthy spices, while an optional garnish of parsley or cilantro elevates every spoonful. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this wholesome recipe is rich in fiber and nutrients, offering a satisfying meal that's both healthy and flavorful. Serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a nourishing, soul-warming experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed red lentils and diced carrot to the pot, stirring to coat them in the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.

Step 7

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a blender. Skip this step if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Step 8

Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1627.2 grams (1627.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	948

Total Fat 38.30g	49%
Saturated Fat 6.30g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4663mg	203%
Total Carbohydrate 122.50g	45%
Dietary Fiber 32.70g	117%
Total Sugars 26.00g
Protein 38.00g	76%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 288mg	22%
Iron 14mg	80%
Potassium 2952mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.9%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 49.7%