Carrot and Lentil Soup (Printer View)

Nourishing blend of sweet carrots and hearty red lentils with aromatic spices

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 celery stalk, chopped

→ Lentils

05 - 3/4 cup red lentils, rinsed

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups vegetable stock
07 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, optional

→ Spices & Seasoning

08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
11 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste
13 - Olive oil for sautéing

→ Garnish

14 - Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped, optional
15 - Yogurt or coconut cream, optional

# Method steps:

01 - Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, then sauté onion, garlic, and celery for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed lentils, vegetable stock, and coconut milk if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until carrots and lentils are tender.
05 - Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if preferred.
06 - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and a swirl of yogurt or coconut cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and feels way more elaborate than it actually is.
  • Red lentils melt into the broth while carrots stay tender enough to blend into something almost velvety.
  • You can make it as light or creamy as you want depending on whether you use coconut milk.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the lentils or your soup will taste slightly dusty and cloudy instead of clean and bright.
  • The spices need that minute of cooking in the hot oil or they taste bitter and flat—don't rush past this step thinking it doesn't matter.
03 -
  • Use good vegetable stock or the whole soup will taste disappointing no matter what else you do right.
  • If you forget to rinse the lentils it's not a disaster, but the soup won't be as clear and clean tasting, so try to remember next time.
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