Warming spiced soup that cooks in under 30 minutes
Red Lentil Soup
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6
8 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Red Lentil Soup
Warming spiced soup that cooks in under 30 minutes
★4.6(20)
A quick and nourishing red lentil soup spiced with cumin and turmeric, blended until silky smooth.
10m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
35m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Red lentil soup is the weeknight hero you never knew you needed. Red lentils cook in about 20 minutes and dissolve into a naturally creamy puree without any blending required, though a quick blitz makes it extra silky.
Spiced with cumin, turmeric, and a squeeze of lemon, this soup is bright, warming, and packed with plant-based protein. It costs almost nothing to make and feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and carrot until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add cumin, turmeric, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are completely tender.
- 4
Blend with an immersion blender until smooth, or leave chunky. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon.
- 5
Serve drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika or sumac.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Red lentilsYellow lentils
Cook similarly and produce a comparable texture.
CuminCurry powder
Gives the soup a more complex spice profile.
Vegetable brothChicken broth
Adds richer flavor if not keeping it vegan.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Always rinse red lentils until the water runs clear to remove starch.
Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the spices for deeper flavor.
Top with crispy fried shallots for a restaurant touch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop, adding water or broth as it thickens considerably.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1.5 cups) · 6 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein5g
Carbohydrates36g
Fat6g
Fiber10g
Sugar14g
Sodium580mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do red lentils need soaking?
- No. Red lentils cook quickly and do not require soaking.
- Can I add meat?
- Yes. Browned ground lamb or chicken thigh pieces work beautifully.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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