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Is it possible for one simple bowl of soup to tick all the boxes: comforting, nutritious, budget-friendly, and lightning fast to prepare? Red Lentil Soup does just that. With rising grocery prices and busy schedules, more people are searching for healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. This humble dish, known as Mercimek Çorbas ı in Turkish cuisine, delivers all that and more. In fact, Red Lentil Soup has surged in popularity in recent years, showing up on health-focused blogs and cozy fall meal roundups across the web.

Packed with protein, fiber, and warm, spiced flavor, Red Lentil Soup is a staple that’s hard to beat. Let’s explore why it’s the best cozy meal ever.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a pot of rich and hearty Red Lentil Soup:

1 cup red lentils (washed and drained)
1 large onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth and color)
1 tsp ground cumin (smoky and earthy)
1 tsp paprika
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan version)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving
Optional toppings: chili flakes, fresh parsley, a swirl of yogurt

Substitutions:

Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a sweeter profile.
Coconut oil painting or avocado oil painting can replace olive oil painting.
Add garlic or fresh ginger for added warmth.

Timing

Preparing Red Lentil Soup is refreshingly fast:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

That’s about 20% faster than the average homemade soup, which typically takes 45-60 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil painting in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 twinkles.

Step 2: Add vegetables

Stir in the minced carrots and potatoes. Cook for another 5 twinkles, stirring sometimes.

Step 3: Spice it up

Mix in the tomato paste, cumin, and paprika. Stir to cover the vegetables unevenly with the spices.

Step 4: Add lentils and broth

Pour in the red lentils and broth. Stir well. Bring the admixture to pustule, also reduce heat to low. Cover and poach for 20 twinkles, or until lentils are tender.

Step 5: Blend (optional)

For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also leave it chunky for more bite.

Step 6: Season and serve

Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information

Red Lentil Soup is as nourishing as it is comforting. Here’s the breakdown per serving:

Calories: 210
Protein: 13g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 12g
Iron: 3.5mg (19% DV)
Vitamin A: 45% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV

Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to make your Red Lentil Soup even more nutritious?

Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and limit added salt.
Boost Fiber: Add chopped kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
Protein Power: Top with a poached egg or a scoop of Greek yogurt.
Vegan Version: Stick with vegetable broth and use coconut yogurt as a creamy topping.

These tweaks can tailor the dish to fit specific dietary goals like low-carb, high-protein, or vegan.

Serving Suggestions

Make your Red Lentil Soup experience even better with these tasty ideas:

Crusty Bread: Serve with sourdough or garlic toast.
Salad Combo: Pair with a tangy cucumber and tomato salad.
Spiced Oil Drizzle: Heat a bit of olive oil with chili flakes and drizzle over each bowl.
Toppings Bar: Offer a DIY toppings station for family meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to make your Red Lentil Soup perfect every time:

Not rinsing lentils: Skipping this can result in bitterness or cloudiness.
Overcooking: Lentils cook quickly; too long and they lose texture.
Too much liquid: Leads to a watery soup—measure your broth.
Skipping spices: Cumin and paprika add essential warmth.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Red Lentil Soup stores beautifully:

Fridge: Store in an watertight vessel for over to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for over to 3 months. flux overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Red Lentil Soup is more than just a quick meal it’s comfort, nutrition, and flavor in one bowl. From simple ingredients to powerful health benefits, it’s a recipe worth trying.

Try it today, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more comforting recipes like this!

FAQs

1. Can I make Red Lentil Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all constituents to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3.

2. Are red lentils the same as yellow lentils?
Not exactly. Red lentils are split and cook faster, making them ideal for creamy soups.

3. Can I skip the blending step?
Absolutely. If you prefer a chunky texture, leave it as is.

4. Is Red Lentil Soup good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s low in calories and high in fiber and protein, which helps keep you full.

5. Can kids eat this soup?
Yes! It’s mild, smooth, and perfect for picky eaters. Just adjust spice levels if needed.

Explore more cozy, healthy recipes on our blog for your next meal inspiration.

Red Lentil Soup: 5 Reasons It’s the Best Cozy Meal Ever (Mercimek Çorbası)

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