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Cozy Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

Moroccan lentil soup - featured image

A quick, nourishing lentil soup with Moroccan-inspired spices that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a comforting, detoxifying meal that helps you feel lighter and brighter without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup (200 g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Plain yogurt or coconut cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics (5 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Bloom the spices (1 minute): Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
  3. Add the tomatoes and lentils (2 minutes): Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the rinsed red lentils. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Pour in the broth (1 minute): Add the vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer (20-25 minutes): Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After 15 minutes, the lentils should be tender and the soup should look creamy.
  6. Finish with lemon juice (2 minutes): Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or coconut cream if you like. The soup will thicken as it cools, so if you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a splash of warm broth or water when reheating.

Notes

Don’t skip blooming the spices; it deepens the flavor. Red lentils cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked—taste after 15 minutes. Lemon juice is essential for brightness; add it at the end. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. For a creamier texture, partially blend with an immersion blender.

Nutrition

Keywords: Moroccan lentil soup, detox soup, 30-minute soup, vegan soup, gluten-free soup, healthy soup, easy lentil soup