Description
A deeply flavorful and hearty red lentil soup enriched with slow-caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and a velvety texture perfect for a comforting, protein-packed meal with a rich, savory depth.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 carrot, diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized.
3. Add garlic and spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in lentils, diced carrot, bay leaf, broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Remove bay leaf and blend part or all of the soup for a creamy texture (optional).
7. Stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with thyme or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
For deeper flavor, use a mix of butter and olive oil when caramelizing onions.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat.
Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
This soup thickens as it sits — add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: caramelized onion soup, red lentil soup, hearty soup, vegetarian comfort food, protein-rich soup, creamy lentil soup