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Lemony Lentil Soup

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Lemony Lentil Soup is a vegan and gluten-free dish with zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and hearty red lentils. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious meal, ready in under 35 minutes, and customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium white onion, peeled and diced

2 medium carrots, diced

5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)

1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed and picked over

2/3 cup whole-kernel corn

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon curry powder

Pinch of saffron (optional)

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Sauté the Vegetables:

    • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Simmer:

    • Stir in vegetable stock, red lentils, corn, cumin, curry powder, saffron, and cayenne (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

  • Blend (Optional):

    • Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

  • Add Lemon:

    • Stir in the lemon zest and juice, and season with salt and pepper.

  • Serve:

    • Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs.

Notes

Variations:

Chunky Soup: Skip the blending step for a chunkier soup with more texture.

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or chili flakes for extra heat.

Herb Variations: Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint for added freshness.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding water or broth if the soup thickens.