Lemon Lentil Soup Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Lentil Soup combines hearty red lentils, aromatic spices, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice for a comforting and refreshing meal. Perfect for a light lunch or cozy dinner, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, offering a satisfying option that is both gluten-free and vegetarian.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Soup Base
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin, stirring for another minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Lentils: Stir in the red lentils, coating them with the spiced vegetable mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils break down and the soup thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Add Lemon: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the lemon juice for your desired level of brightness and tanginess.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon slices. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Red lentils cook quickly and tend to break down into a creamy texture, perfect for this soup.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Lentil Soup, Red Lentil Soup, Mediterranean Soup, Gluten Free Soup, Vegetarian Soup, Healthy Soup