This Carrot Lentil Soup is warm, hearty, and packed with good stuff! It combines sweet carrots, healthy lentils, and spices for a comforting bowl perfect for any day.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy. Plus, it makes the house smell amazing—like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Use brown or green lentils for this soup. They hold their shape well. If you’re looking for a quicker cook, red lentils can be substituted, but they will break down more and result in a creamier texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor. If you want a different taste or need a high smoke point, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Onion: A yellow onion is my favorite choice as it adds sweetness when sautéed. If you don’t have one, you can use shallots or even leeks for a unique twist.
Carrots: Feel free to switch up the carrots! Sweet potatoes or parsnips can add a different flavor profile, and they complement the lentils nicely.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika give warmth and depth. You can swap them for curry powder or even chili powder if you want a bit of heat.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor from My Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic properly is key for a flavorful soup. Start by cooking the onions until they’re soft and slightly golden. This can take about 5 minutes. Adding garlic after the onions keeps it from burning, which can make it bitter. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Heat your pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and stir for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Next, add minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes, letting it become fragrant but not brown.
- Once done, you can add in the carrots and continue with the recipe.
This technique builds a great base for your soup and maximizes flavor!
How to Make Carrot Lentil Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Carrot Lentil Soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes total to have a warm and hearty soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it turns translucent and fragrant. This will create a tasty base for your soup!
2. Add the Carrots and Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and sliced carrots to the pot. Give it a good stir and let them cook together for another 5 minutes. You want the carrots to start getting a bit soft at this stage—they’ll add lovely flavor and texture.
3. Spice It Up:
Now sprinkle in the ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute. This will really help to release those wonderful spices and enhance the flavor of your soup.
4. Combine Ingredients:
It’s time to bring it all together! Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, water, and bay leaf into the pot. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, you’re ready for the next step!
5. Simmer Away:
Reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover the pot. Let it cook for 25-30 minutes, allowing the lentils and carrots to become tender and delicious. You can check on it occasionally, but don’t lift the lid too often!
6. Final Touches:
After cooking, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Now, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to mix everything together one last time.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Don’t forget to have lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze over your bowl—it’s the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your warm, comforting Carrot Lentil Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils?
Absolutely! While green or brown lentils work best for this soup, you can also use red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook quicker and will make the soup a little thicker, so reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep! You can make it a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out, as the lentils will absorb more liquid as they sit.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add the crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic and carrots. For a milder flavor, simply decrease the amount of smoked paprika or omit it altogether.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
