Name: Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can crushed tomatoes; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

Why Make This Recipe

This Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup is perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients offering both nutrition and comfort. The warming spices like turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper are not only flavorful but also good for digestion and overall wellness. Plus, it’s a simple one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors.

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How to Make Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can crushed tomatoes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

Heat olive oil or coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 7-10 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and cayenne if using. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and have broken down, creating a thick soup, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

How to Serve Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The fresh cilantro or parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to each bowl.

How to Store Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. Pour it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Easy Comforting Cleansing Red Lentil Turmeric Soup

Rinse the lentils well to remove dust and debris.
Adjust the spices to your taste, adding more or less cayenne for heat.
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of coconut milk before serving.

Variation

For a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid or add more lentils. You could also include other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition. Feel free to add more spices or herbs as desired for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils in this recipe?

Yes, but red lentils cook faster and tend to break down, which is ideal for this soup.

Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper, but you can omit it or adjust to taste.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.