Why Make This Recipe
Carrot Lentil Soup is a delicious and nutritious option for a meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of lentils and carrots delivers a hearty dish full of flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Carrot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in carrots and cumin, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add lentils and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and carrots are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Carrot Lentil Soup
Carrot Lentil Soup is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a delicious starter. Add some crusty bread or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal. The fresh parsley on top not only adds color but also a touch of freshness.
How to Store Carrot Lentil Soup
To store the soup, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers; it should last for about 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips to Make Carrot Lentil Soup
- Rinse the lentils before using to remove any debris.
- For a thicker soup, blend half of it with an immersion blender and then stir it back in.
- Adjust the spices based on your taste. You can add a bit of chili if you like heat.
Variation
You can add other vegetables such as celery or potatoes to enhance the flavor and texture. If you want a creamy version, consider adding coconut milk at the end for extra richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?
Yes, you can use other lentils, but red lentils cook faster and will make a softer soup.
2. Is this soup vegan?
Yes, Carrot Lentil Soup is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.
3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup reheats very well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge or freezer as mentioned.
Carrot Lentil Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils Rinse before using
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth Use low-sodium if preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Fresh parsley for garnish Adds freshness and color
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in carrots and cumin, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Add lentils and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and carrots are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.