Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 500g carrots, peeled and diced
- 150g red lentils
- 1 litre vegetable stock
- 400ml coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Bread or croutons for serving (optional)
Nutrition
This spiced carrot and lentil soup is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients. Here's a breakdown per serving (approximately 4 servings)
Method
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2
Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add the diced carrots, red lentils, and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes until the carrots and lentils are tender.
Step 4
Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. If using coconut milk, stir it in at this stage and heat the soup gently for a few minutes.
Step 5
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves, and accompanied by bread or croutons if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Customization
- Add more spice: To make the soup spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Make it heartier: Stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Boost the veggies: Add diced sweet potatoes or a handful of spinach during the simmering step.
Pairing Suggestions
This soup pairs wonderfully with the following:
- A slice of crusty sourdough bread
- A light green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- A dollop of yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess
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