Red Lentil Carrot Soup
A simple lentil and carrot soup with ginger, cumin, and optional coconut milk. It is cozy, practical, and easy to adapt based on what you have at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 3 carrots chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated or minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric optional
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk optional
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Plain Greek yogurt optional protein topping
- Soft-boiled or fried egg optional protein topping
- Shredded chicken optional, stir in near the end of cooking
- Cooked chickpeas or white beans optional vegetarian protein addition
- Fresh cilantro or parsley optional topping
- Cooked rice optional for serving
Instructions
- Start the aromatics. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and ginger. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Add spices. Stir in cumin and turmeric, if using, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Simmer the soup. Add rinsed lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils and carrots are soft.
- Blend if desired. Use an immersion blender to blend all or part of the soup. Leave it chunky if you prefer more texture.
- Finish the soup. Stir in coconut milk, if using. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add protein if desired. Top each bowl with Greek yogurt or egg, stir in shredded chicken near the end of cooking, or add cooked chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option.
- Serve warm. Add toppings at the table so each person can build a bowl that works for them.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Add broth or water when reheating if the soup thickens.
If you are making this soup for a new family, ask whether they prefer it smooth or chunky. Bring toppings and optional protein additions separately and label the container with the recipe name and date.