Go Back
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium celery stalk, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Juice of 1 lemon This spicy lentil soup packs a punch with its health benefits. One serving offers about 200 calories. It has around 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. It is low in fat, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier. Lentils are rich in protein and fiber. They support heart health and help in weight management. The spices in this soup, like cumin and cayenne, have strong health benefits too. Cumin aids digestion, while cayenne pepper may boost metabolism. Together, they create a warming effect that can help fight colds. I love using lentils in my cooking. They are easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can enjoy this soup as a meal or a side. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 1 medium celery stalk, diced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Juice of 1 lemon Make sure you rinse the lentils well. This step helps remove dirt and debris. Chop the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the soup. In a large pot, pour the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, until it turns translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes. Stir them often so they soften but don’t brown. Next, add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything well to mix. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The lentils should be tender when done. After the lentils are soft, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth or water. This step helps you get the right texture. Before you serve, stir in the fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright flavor that enhances the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Lentil Delight Soup. For the complete recipe, please refer to the Full Recipe section. To get the best soup, focus on texture and flavor. First, rinse your lentils well. This removes dust and helps them cook evenly. Use fresh vegetables for a vibrant taste. Cook them until soft, but not mushy. This keeps a nice bite in your soup. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with a small amount, then add more if you want more heat. Always taste before serving! Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor. It makes every spoonful refreshing and tangy. Serve your soup in warm bowls. This keeps it hot longer. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping! Top each bowl with fresh herbs. Cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness. You can also drizzle olive oil on top for extra richness. For a fun twist, add a dollop of yogurt. It cools the spice and adds creaminess. One common mistake is overcooking lentils. They should be tender but still hold their shape. If you cook them too long, they turn mushy. Another mistake is not using enough seasoning. Lentils can absorb flavors, so don’t skip salt and pepper. Lastly, avoid using canned lentils. They can be too soft and lack that fresh taste. Always use dried lentils for the best results. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can make spicy lentil soup even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Each adds a unique taste and boosts nutrition. Simply chop them and toss them in with the other ingredients. This is a fun way to use up leftover veggies, too! Adjust the heat to fit your taste. If you like it mild, skip the cayenne pepper. Instead, add a bit more cumin and smoked paprika for flavor. For extra heat, add more cayenne or even diced jalapeños. Just remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in! Good news! This soup is already vegan and gluten-free. You can enjoy it without worry. If you want to add protein, toss in some tofu or chickpeas. They blend well with the flavors and make the soup heartier. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to customize this dish. After you enjoy your spicy lentil soup, let it cool down. Transfer the soup into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. Always label your containers with the date. This helps you track how long they last. You can freeze spicy lentil soup for later use. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. It will stay good for about 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Always check the temperature before serving. Enjoy your delicious spicy lentil soup again! For the full recipe, refer to the main article. Spicy lentil soup can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and safe to eat. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying it again. Yes, you can make spicy lentil soup in advance. It actually tastes better the next day! The flavors blend well as it sits. Just cool it down before you refrigerate it. When you’re ready, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, add rice or quinoa. A dollop of yogurt on top also adds creaminess. These options enhance the soup’s flavor and make it a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Lentil Delight Soup. This article covered key parts of making Spicy Lentil Soup. We explored ingredients, health benefits, and preparation steps. I shared tips for texture and flavor, plus ways to customize your soup. We also looked at storage and answered common questions. In conclusion, Spicy Lentil Soup is easy and healthy. With the right ingredients and techniques, you’ll enjoy every bowl. Enjoy cooking and savoring your delicious creation!

Spicy Lentil Soup

Discover the delicious world of spicy lentil soup! This flavorful and healthy meal option is simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. Enjoy the benefits of lentils combined with warming spices that delight your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is a comfort food that can easily become your new favorite. Click through to find the complete recipe and tips for making this healthy dish just right!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 medium celery stalk, diced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

    Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

      Add the rinsed lentils to the pot along with the diced tomatoes (including the juice), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

        Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

          Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, stir in a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

            Before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor.

              Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an inviting touch.