Description
Red lentils make a quick, protein-packed meal that comes together faster than you can say “delicious dinner”! Simmer these golden legumes with your favorite spices for a comforting dish that sparks serious satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Supporting Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into a large pot, warming it over medium heat for 2 minutes until it shimmers.
- Drop chopped onion, carrots, and celery into the hot oil. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and turn slightly translucent.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red pepper flakes over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning and release aromatic spices.
- Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, creating a gentle simmer. Leave the pot uncovered and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils become tender and break down.
- Remove pot from heat after lentils reach a soft, creamy consistency. Squeeze juice from half a lemon into the soup.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your preferred flavor profile.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Scatter fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top as a bright, fresh garnish.
Notes
- Chop vegetables into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Add a splash of extra broth if the lentils seem too thick, creating a soupy consistency that’s perfect for comfort eating.
- Toast the spices briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their depth and release maximum flavor potential.
- For a protein boost, stir in cooked quinoa or top with roasted chickpeas to make the meal more substantial and filling.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg