Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup Recipe

Imagine wrapping your hands around a bowl of Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup: creamy, golden, and brimming with aromatic spices. This soul-soothing recipe blends sweet carrots with hearty red lentils and a chorus of warming seasonings, creating a vibrant dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings—or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is how simple yet transformative the ingredients are. Each component adds its own layer of flavor, texture, and gorgeous color, making the final soup so much greater than the sum of its parts.

• Oil (1 tablespoon): Any neutral oil works—think olive, sunflower, or canola! This helps everything sauté to mellowness.
• Onion (1, diced): Adds savory sweetness and forms a flavorful base for the soup.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a punch of aromatic depth—fresh is best!
• Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Lends gentle citrusy notes that pair beautifully with carrots.
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Delivers earthy warmth and classic Middle Eastern flavor.
• Chilli (1–2 teaspoons): Adjust the heat to your liking! Use chili powder, flakes, or even fresh chili if you like it bold.
• Turmeric (½ teaspoon): Adds golden color and subtle bitterness that balances the soup.
• Ginger (½ teaspoon): Use ground or a little fresh for peppery brightness.
• Carrots (600 grams, sliced): The star ingredient! Their natural sweetness and color make this soup irresistible.
• Red lentils (150 grams): These cook quickly, thicken the soup, and dissolve into creamy bliss.
• Vegetable stock (1.5 litres): Use homemade or a good-quality store-bought broth for the best flavor foundation.
• Fresh coriander (1 handful, chopped): Stirred in at the end, this fresh herb brightens every bite.

Variations

This Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is a true kitchen chameleon, ready to shift with your mood, pantry finds, or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Go coconut: Swap 250ml of stock for coconut milk for a luxuriously creamy, subtly tropical twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in a handful of chopped sweet potatoes or bell peppers for even more color and nutrition.
• Use a different herb: Try parsley or dill instead of coriander for a refreshing flavor change.
• Make it extra spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a swirl of harissa for serious heat-lovers!

How to Make Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Begin by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the diced onion and let it cook gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is wonderfully soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute—your kitchen will quickly smell divine!

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Sprinkle in the coriander, cumin, chili, turmeric, and ginger. Let the spices toast for about one minute, stirring constantly. This quick toast coaxes out their oils and amplifies each flavor, transforming the base into a fragrant wonderland.

Step 3: Simmer Everything Together

Add the sliced carrots, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let everything bubble away for about 25 minutes. The carrots and lentils should be very tender, melting into each other beautifully.

Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Once the vegetables are completely soft, grab your trusty immersion blender (or transfer batches carefully to a stand blender). Blitz until the soup is as smooth as you like—some prefer ultra silky, others enjoy a rustic texture. It’s all up to you!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Stir in the freshly chopped coriander, then taste and add salt and pepper to fit your preference. Your Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is now ready for its big debut… just add your favorite garnish and serve piping hot!

How to Serve Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Garnishes

Top your Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup with a swirl of dairy-free yogurt or a dollop of crème fraîche, a sprinkle of fresh coriander, crunchy pumpkin seeds, or a dusting of smoked paprika. Each garnish adds color and textural contrast, transforming every bowl into a feast for the senses.

Side Dishes

This soup is a dream with crusty bread—sourdough, seeded rolls, or a thick slice of whole grain toast are all perfect for dunking. For a heartier meal, pair it with a bright green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette or a side of fluffy couscous.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup in small mugs for a cozy appetizer, or ladle it into colorful bowls and top each serving with contrasting toppings arranged artfully. For gatherings, offer a “soup bar” with bowls of garnishes so everyone can customize their own bowl—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, ready to reheat for quick lunches or stress-free dinners.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months—just label and date so you never lose track.

Reheating

Gently reheat Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it’s a little thick after chilling, add a splash of water or stock to loosen. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and stir every minute to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Let this Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup become your go-to when you want comforting, vibrant flavor without a lot of fuss. I hope you’ll try it soon and share it with someone you love—it’s pure cozy, nourishing joy in a bowl.

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