One-Pot Carrot Lentil Soup

$To make One-Pot Carrot Lentil Soup, you need a few simple items that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll use: - Olive oil - Onion - Garlic - Carrots - Red lentils - Vegetable broth - Spices and seasonings - Lemon juice - Fresh parsley Each ingredient plays a key role in building the soup's rich taste. The olive oil gives it a nice base, while the onion and garlic add depth. Carrots not only bring sweetness but also a lovely color. Red lentils are great for protein and create a smooth texture when blended. The vegetable broth ties everything together, and spices like cumin and turmeric give it warmth. Finally, a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish, and fresh parsley makes it look pretty on the plate. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy the process of bringing these elements together! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Dicing the onion: Start by peeling the onion. Cut it in half, then slice it into small pieces. This will help the onion cook evenly. - Mincing the garlic: Take the garlic cloves and peel them. Use a knife to chop them finely. This will give great flavor to the soup. - Slicing the carrots: Wash the carrots thoroughly. Cut off the ends, then slice them into half-moons. This shape helps them cook well. - Sautéing the onions: In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Stir often to avoid burning. - Adding garlic and carrots: Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, add the sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. The carrots should start to soften. - Incorporating lentils and broth: Now, add one cup of rinsed red lentils and six cups of vegetable broth. Sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric. Stir everything well to mix. - Pureeing the soup: After the soup simmers for about 25-30 minutes, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. If you use a regular blender, cool the soup first and blend in small batches. - Seasoning to taste: Finally, taste the soup. Add salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the flavors as you like. This will brighten the soup and make it even better. To make your soup taste even better, consider these tips: - Adjust seasonings: Start with salt and pepper. Add more as needed. Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup. - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh carrots and herbs make a big difference in taste. Always choose high-quality produce for the best flavor. When blending your soup, you can choose between two methods: - Immersion blender: This tool is quick and easy. Just blend the soup right in the pot. - Countertop blender: If you use this, let the soup cool first. Blend in small batches to avoid spills. Always vent the lid to let steam out. For the perfect consistency, aim for a smooth texture without lumps. If you like a chunkier soup, blend just half of it. This gives you a nice mix of smooth and hearty bites. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh carrots and herbs. They will enhance the taste of your soup significantly. Customize Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of chili powder can give your soup a nice kick! Prep Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal option. Just reheat before serving. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a burst of freshness and color that complements the soup beautifully. {{image_4}} You can switch up the veggies in this soup. Try adding sweet potatoes or spinach. Both options add great flavor and nutrition. You can also use green or brown lentils instead of red. Just keep in mind that they may need a longer cooking time. Want to give your soup a kick? Add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These will add depth and freshness to your dish. Consider adding a bay leaf during cooking for extra flavor too. To keep your One-Pot Carrot Lentil Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within a few days. The soup will stay good for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your soup again, reheating is easy. The best method is to use the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir it often until it's hot throughout. You can also use a microwave. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. After reheating, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavors and makes the soup taste fresh again. Serve it hot, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings! Can I use dried lentils instead of red lentils? Yes, you can use dried lentils. However, red lentils cook faster. If you use other types, adjust the cooking time. How long does lentil soup last in the fridge? Lentil soup can last about 5-7 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. Can I make this soup in advance? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. Is this soup vegan-friendly? Yes, this soup is completely vegan. It has no animal products, making it a great choice for everyone. Gluten-free options for broth and bread? For a gluten-free broth, choose brands labeled gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free bread for a tasty meal. You now have a clear guide to make a delicious lentil soup. Remember to prep your ingredients and take note of flavor tips. Adjust spices to your taste and consider ingredient swaps for fun variations. Store your leftovers properly, so you can enjoy this soup later. This recipe is not only easy but also healthy and satisfying. Enjoy cooking, and share your soup with friends and family!$

One-Pot Carrot Lentil Soup

A hearty and nutritious soup made with carrots and lentils, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Vegetarian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium-sized carrots, sliced into half-moons
1 cup red lentils, thoroughly rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a spacious pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Introduce the sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes, stirring often, until they start to soften slightly.
Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, ground cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Check occasionally, cooking until both the lentils and carrots are tender.
After simmering, use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until you reach a smooth consistency. Alternatively, if using a countertop blender, let the soup cool slightly before transferring in batches. Remember to vent the blender lid to avoid steam buildup from hot liquids.
Once blended, season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and stir in the fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve the soup hot, generously garnished with chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Enjoy this hearty soup with crusty whole grain bread or a light salad for a complete meal!

Keyword carrots, healthy, lentils, soup, vegetarian