Red lentil soup is a popular and nutritious dish that can be customized in many different ways. It’s a great plant-based protein source that’s also easy to make, affordable, and delicious. This tasty soup is perfect for cold winter days, and it’s a great go-to meal when you’re looking for something hearty and comforting. In this post, we’ll share 10 delicious variations of red lentil soup to try at home.
Different Red Lentil Soup Recipes
If you are looking to add some variety to your weekly meals, give one of these tasty red lentil soup recipes a try:
1. Red Lentil and Tomato Soup with Basil
This variation combines the sweetness of fire-roasted tomatoes with the earthiness of red lentils. It’s a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Add some garlic, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Then, add red lentils and vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some chopped fresh basil and stir to combine.
2. Moroccan Red Lentil Soup with Spices and Chickpeas
This variation is inspired by the bold flavors of Moroccan cuisine. It’s made with red lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of spices, including garam masala, cayenne pepper, and turmeric. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic and spices, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Add red lentils, canned chickpeas, and vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some chopped fresh cilantro and stir to combine.
3. Red Lentil and Coconut Soup with Curry
This variation is a creamy and comforting soup that’s made with red lentils and coconut milk. The addition of curry powder gives it a warm and spicy flavor. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, curry powder, and red lentils, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spices. Add canned coconut milk and vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Spicy Red Lentil Soup with Harissa and Lemon
This variation is a bold and flavorful soup that’s perfect for spice lovers. It’s made with red lentils, harissa paste, and lemon juice. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, harissa paste, and red lentils, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spice. Add vegetable broth and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some lemon juice and stir to combine.
5. Greek-Inspired Red Lentil Soup with Feta and Olives
This variation is a delicious twist on traditional red lentil soup that’s inspired by Greek cuisine. It’s made with red lentils, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Start by sautéing some diced onions and chopped carrots in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, diced tomatoes, and red lentils, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spices. Add chicken broth and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives and stir to combine.
6. Red Lentil Soup with Roasted Vegetables and Herbs
This variation is a wonderful soup that’s full of roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s a great way to add more flavor and nutrition to your lentil soup. Start by roasting some diced sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions in the oven with some olive oil and kosher salt until they’re tender and caramelized. Then, add the roasted vegetables to a Dutch oven along with red lentils, vegetable broth, and a bay leaf. Let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest and stir to combine.
7. Yellow Lentil and Coconut Soup with Lime
This variation is a creamy and flavorful soup that’s made with yellow lentils and coconut milk. The addition of lime juice gives it a bright and citrusy flavor. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, yellow lentils, and curry powder, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spice. Add canned coconut milk and vegetable broth, and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some lime juice and stir to combine.
8. Red Lentil Soup with Brown Lentils and Bone Broth
This variation combines two types of lentils and bone broth to create a rich and flavorful soup. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, diced tomatoes, and red lentils and brown lentils, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spices. Add bone broth and let the soup simmer until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, add some chopped fresh cilantro and stir to combine.
9. Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup with Fire Roasted Tomatoes
This variation is perfect for those who want a quick and easy lentil soup recipe. It’s made in an Instant Pot and requires only a few ingredients. Start by sautéing some diced onions in olive oil until they’re soft. Then, add some garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, and red lentils, and cook for a few minutes until the lentils are coated in the spices. Add vegetable broth and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure and stir in some chopped fresh parsley.
10. Slow Cooker Red Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes
This variation is perfect for those who want a hands-off approach to cooking lentil soup. It’s made in a slow cooker and requires minimal effort. Start by adding some diced sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic to a slow cooker. Then, add red lentils, vegetable broth, and a bay leaf, and stir to combine. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the lentils are fully cooked. Finally, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
Health Benefits of Red Lentil Soup
Red lentil soup is a nutritious and delicious way to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and protein. It’s packed with fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion, and it’s low in fat and calories. Plus, red lentils are full of essential B-vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and other important vitamins and minerals. Eating red lentil soup can also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to start your day, give this red lentil soup a try!
Conclusion: Red Lentil Soup
In conclusion, red lentil soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized in many different ways. Whether you prefer a spicy, creamy, or hearty lentil soup, there’s a recipe out there that’s just right for you. Try out these 10 variations of red lentil soup to add some variety to your lentil soup repertoire. With the right combination of flavors and spices, you can create a delicious dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
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