#Spicy Lentil Soup 🌶️🥣
Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with a kick; the Spicy Lentil Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup will not only warm your soul but also gives your taste buds an exquisite experience of rich spices and proteins. It’s an impressive dish that’s just as delicious as it is nourishing.
Why Make This Recipe
Spicy Lentil Soup is a simple, flavorful and filling meal loaded with proteins and spices. It’s an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner, and is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly. This is the chance for you to make from scratch a wholesome dish that keeps both your health and taste buds in mind.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
How to Make Spicy Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
2. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to release the aroma of the spices.
3. Add red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning and spices as needed.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Spicy Lentil Soup
Enjoy your Spicy Lentil Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
How to Store Spicy Lentil Soup
Store your leftover Spicy Lentil Soup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To serve, heat it up on stove and enjoy!
Tips to Make Spicy Lentil Soup
1. Make sure to rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any impurities.
2. If you like your soup more creamy, blend a portion of the soup using a hand blender before serving.
3. Adjust the level of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
Variations (if Any)
You can add other veggies like spinach or kale to increase the nutritional value even further. Also, consider adding some cooked chicken or tofu for added protein.
FAQs
1. **Can I use green lentils instead of red?**
Yes, you can use green lentils too, but remember they take slightly longer to cook than red lentils.
2. **Can I freeze this soup?**
Absolutely! This Spicy Lentil Soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
3. **Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
Yes! Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Get ready to embrace the warmth and flavor with every bite of this Spicy Lentil Soup. Bon Appétit!🌶️🥣