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Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe

Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Lemon Lentil Soup is a vibrant, comforting dish featuring red lentils simmered with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and brightened with tangy lemon juice. Perfect as a wholesome and light meal, it combines hearty lentils and fresh citrus flavors for a nutritious and satisfying soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dry Ingredients and Spices

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin, stirring constantly for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
  2. Add Lentils: Stir in the red lentils, making sure they are well coated with the spice and vegetable mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have softened and broken down, and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
  4. Add Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice if you prefer a brighter or milder citrus flavor.
  5. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, making this soup creamy without needing to blend.
  • Adjust lemon juice according to your taste for a milder or more tangy flavor.
  • This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
  • For added protein, consider adding diced cooked chicken or a dollop of yogurt if not strictly vegan.
  • Use homemade vegetable broth or low-sodium store-bought to control salt content.
  • To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon lentil soup, vegan soup, Mediterranean soup, red lentils, healthy soup, lemon soup, gluten free