Lemony Red Lentil Soup Recipe
This Middle Eastern lentil soup has an amazing lemony flavour. Make a double batch because it freezes really well!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbs. olive oil, more for drizzling
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1Tbs. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt, more to taste
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground chili powder or cayenne
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1½ cup water
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- Juice of ½ lemon, more to taste
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat 3 Tbs. oil over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes, and garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- 2
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, salt, black pepper and chili powder or cayenne, and sauté for 2 minutes longer.
- 3
Add broth, water, lentils and carrot. Bring to a simmer, then partially cover pot and turn heat to medium-low. Simmer until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes.
- 4
Taste and add salt if necessary.
- 5
Using an immersion or regular blender or a food processor, puree half the soup then add it back to pot (soup should be somewhat chunky).
- 6
Stir in lemon juice when ready to serve.
- 7
Serve soup drizzled with good olive oil. Serves 6-8
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Soup stores beautifully! Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The flavors often improve overnight.
- Can I Freeze This?
- Most soups freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make Ahead Tip
- This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Lemony Red Lentil Soup?
This Lemony Red Lentil Soup recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 13 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
Can I freeze this lemony red lentil soup?
Absolutely. This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. The flavors often taste even better the next day.