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Creamy Velvety Lemon Lentil Soup

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A comforting, creamy lentil soup brightened with fresh lemon juice, perfect for cozy evenings. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a nourishing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup red lentils (about 200g), rinsed well
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (950ml)
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons), freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: splash of coconut milk or plain yogurt for creaminess
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
  • Optional: red chili flakes or diced fresh chili for spice

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and vegetables soften, about 7 to 10 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of sautéing to avoid burning.
  4. Sprinkle in cumin and turmeric, stirring constantly to lightly toast the spices for about 1 minute.
  5. Add rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils break down and soup thickens.
  6. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth for a velvety texture, or blend half the soup for a chunkier texture.
  7. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Rinse lentils well to prevent foaming. Add garlic near the end of sautéing to avoid bitterness. Blend soup for a velvety texture or leave chunky as preferred. Add lemon juice at the end to preserve brightness. Adjust thickness with broth or water if needed. Soup reheats well and flavors deepen after resting overnight. Freeze without lemon juice and add fresh after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon lentil soup, creamy lentil soup, vegan soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, cozy dinner, plant-based protein, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-velvety-lemon-lentil-soup-recipe-easy-perfect-for-cozy-evenings/