Amazing Carrot Lentil Soup: Quick & Easy Recipe

Hey there, it’s Clara from Cooking Inspired! There’s just something magical about a warm bowl of soup, especially on those busy days when you need a comforting hug in a bowl. That’s why I’m so excited to share my super easy and nutritious carrot lentil soup recipe with you! It’s packed with flavor, simple to make, and ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this carrot lentil soup is a must-try!

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Lentil Soup

This isn’t just any soup recipe; it’s my go-to for a reason! Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in under 40 minutes.
• Customizable Texture: Whether you like your soup chunky or creamy, this recipe can be tailored to your preference. I love options, don’t you?
• Nutrient-Packed: Lentils are a fantastic source of iron, making this soup a healthy choice for everyone, especially women and children. For more delicious iron-rich recipes, explore our collection. I always want to make sure my family is getting all the nutrients they need.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander creates a warm, comforting flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. I just know you’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Carrot Lentil Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium sweet onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups chopped carrots or about 4 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups red lentils (rinsed until water runs clear)
• 1-15 ounces can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Large 6-quart pot
• Vegetable peeler
• Chopping board
• Immersion blender or regular blender (optional, for a creamy texture)

How to Make Carrot Lentil Soup: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious carrot lentil soup.

1. Heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft, about 2 minutes then add the spices and continue to sauté about 4 minutes. Add the carrots and sauté until carrots are tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes and lentils and stir to combine. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. You can eat the soup as is with the chunks of carrots, lentils and tomatoes or you can use a handheld immersion blender or regular blender to create a creamy soup. Sometimes I blend half and keep half chunky.
4. Serve the soup with fresh cilantro, crushed red pepper and fresh lemon juice.

Expert Tips for the Best Carrot Lentil Soup

Here are a few of my go-to tips for making sure your carrot lentil soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t skip blooming the spices! Sautéing them in oil unlocks their full flavor and really elevates the soup. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• If your soup is too watery, simply simmer it for a bit longer without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• If your soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Worried about mushy carrots? Make sure to chop them into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Always taste as you go! I can’t stress this enough. Adjust the salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.

Variations on Carrot Lentil Soup

I love how versatile this recipe is! Here are a few variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Variation	Ingredient Adjustment	Notes
Spicy	Add 1 tsp grated ginger & 1/4 tsp chili flakes	Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
Low-Sodium	Use low-sodium broth, omit added salt	Taste and adjust seasonings carefully.
High-Protein	Add 1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans	Add during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Carrot Lentil Soup

This soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

• Garnish: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, while toasted pumpkin seeds provide a satisfying crunch.
• Pairings: Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a hearty and balanced meal.
• Extras: Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flavor.

The Origin of This Carrot Lentil Soup

This recipe is inspired by a blend of Moroccan and Indian flavors. I’ve always loved how these cuisines use spices to create warm, comforting dishes. I wanted to create a soup that was both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for a busy weeknight meal. It’s become a family favorite in my home!

Understanding Lentils: Choosing the Right Type

For this recipe, I recommend using red lentils. They break down beautifully as they cook, creating a creamy texture without needing to add any cream. Brown or green lentils would also work, but they will take longer to cook and won’t break down as much. If you enjoy this recipe and are looking for another comforting chicken lentil soup, we have a fantastic one to try.

Carrot Lentil Soup in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Want to make this soup even easier? Here’s how to adapt it for a slow cooker or Instant Pot:

Slow Cooker Instructions:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, spices and carrots according to the recipe.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Blend to desired consistency.

Instant Pot Instructions:

1. Use the sauté function to sauté onions, garlic, spices and carrots according to the recipe.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
4. Blend to desired consistency.

How to Store Leftover Carrot Lentil Soup

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!

Can You Freeze Carrot Lentil Soup?

Yes, you can definitely freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Notes: Why These Ingredients Work

Let’s talk about why each ingredient plays such an important role in this carrot lentil soup:

• Sautéing the onion first develops its sweetness, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
• Blooming the spices in oil enhances their flavor, making them more aromatic and impactful.
• Red lentils break down easily, creating a creamy texture without needing to add any cream.
• Diced tomatoes add acidity and depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.

Nutritional Information for Carrot Lentil Soup

This carrot lentil soup is packed with nutrients, including iron, fiber, and vitamins. For detailed nutritional information, please consult a nutritional database or app.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes

Looking for more quick and easy vegan dinner ideas? Check out these other recipes from Cooking Inspired:

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious carrot lentil soup as much as I do! It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, and it’s packed with nutrients to keep you feeling energized and healthy. Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! What variations did you try? I’d love to hear from you!