Spicy Lentil Soup Carrots (Printable)

Hearty lentils with carrots and celery simmered with spices for a comforting meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 - 2 medium carrots, diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Legumes

05 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

06 - 6 cups vegetable broth
07 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Garnishes

15 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute to develop depth of flavor.
04 - Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
05 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, partially blend the soup with an immersion blender if desired.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together with pantry staples you probably already have
  • The spices create this depth that feels restaurant quality but is actually incredibly forgiving
  • It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected leftovers
02 -
  • Lentils vary wildly in cooking time depending on their age, so taste test rather than relying entirely on the timer
  • The soup will continue thickening as it sits, so the consistency is perfect right when you finish cooking
  • If you accidentally make it too spicy, a little extra lemon juice helps balance the heat
03 -
  • Rinse your lentils in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear
  • Lightly toasting whole cumin and coriander seeds before grinding them adds incredible depth
  • A splash of good olive oil on each bowl before serving makes it feel restaurant special

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