Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup, warming and filling, packed with flavour and so tasty. Perfect for a cosy lunch or supper.
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This spiced carrot and red lentil soup is like a lovely hug in a bowl! Cosy, warming, filling and easy to make, it's the perfect soup for chilly Autumn days. Packed with warming spices like garam masala and cumin and with a gentle hint of chilli this soup is a treat for the senses. I love the aroma that fills my kitchen when I make this!
How to Make Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup:
- Start by sweating the onion and celery, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat then add the chopped onion and celery. Cook these for about 10 minutes stirring often so the onion doesn't burn! Then add the garlic, the chopped cilantro/coriander stems and the spices and cook for just a minute, giving the pot a good stir.
- Next, add the chopped carrots and stir everything together. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and the vegetable stock and stir everything together. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Now add the lentils, and simply drop them into the soup. Pop a lid on the saucepan, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- The soup is done once the carrots are tender and the lentils are cooked. Blend the soup with a hand-held blender until it is smooth. Serve it with a good dollop of Greek yoghurt and crusty bread.
Tips for Making your Best Ever Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup:
- I use large carrots for this, they are always peeled for this recipe. When buying carrots make sure they are firm to the touch and are bright orange in colour. The skin should smooth skin. Avoid any carrots that are limp or black near the tops.
- Red split lentils are a great choice for this soup. They are a store cupboard ingredient and are really cheap. You could use canned green lentils if you like, just be aware the colour 0f the soup may be different. If you want to use Puy lentils I would blend the soup first then add the lentils and cook until they are hot.
- I make my vegetable stock using a low-sodium vegan vegetable bouillon. Any premade stock will do but I would try and keep it low sodium and double-check the packet to make sure it is vegetarian/vegan.
- What is Garam Masala? Garam masala is a blend of ground spices used in Indian cuisine. The spices for garam masala are usually toasted to bring out more flavour and aroma. You should find it in the spice section of your local supermarket. If you can't find it you can make your mix, you can find a recipe for that here.
- If you want to make this soup creamy, pour in a little cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Serving, Storing and Freezing
- Serving - We usually have this for lunch, but it's filling enough that I've had it for dinner too. Just serve it with some good crusty bread and a dollop of Greek Yoghurt and you're done!
- Storage - If you have any leftovers just pop them in the fridge once it has cooled, it will keep for 3 days, reheat it on the hob.
- Freezing - You can freeze this soup too if you want, once it's cooled pour the soup into freezer-friendly bags or containers and freeze. It will keep for up to 3 months. Defrost it in the fridge overnight then reheat it on the hob until it is piping hot.
FAQs
Do I need to rinse lentils before making soup?
Yes, you should rinse the lentils before adding to the soup. Add the lentils to a small bowl cover with plenty of cold water, stir the lentils with your fingers. Any debris will rise to the top. Look out for any tiny stores adn remove them. Scoop out the depris. Pour the lentils into a sieve to drain.
Do you need to peel carrots for soup?
It depends, if the carrots are organic then I don't peel them I just give them a good scrub, if they are not organic then I will peel them.
More Tasty Soups You May Enjoy
- Spicy Cauliflower Soup
- Autumn Squash Soup
- Creamy Broccoli & Cauliflower Soup
- Spiced Carrot and Coriander Soup
- Vegan Potato and Leek Soup
- Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Tasty Curries To Warm You Up
Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup Recipe
Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup is a warming filling soup, packed with flavour. Perfect for a cosy lunch or supper.
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Servings: 6
Calories: 112kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (195g) finely chopped
- 1 stalk of celery finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced or put through a garlic press
- A small handful of fresh cilantro/coriander leaves removed and stems finely chopped
- 1 heaped tsp Garam Masala
- 1 heaped tsp ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried red chili flakes (red pepper flakes)
- 3 large carrots (.92lb/415g) topped and tailed, peeled then roughly chopped
- 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes / 1 x 400g can of chopped tomatoes (UK)
- 4 cups of vegetable stock (900ml) or vegetable broth
- ¾ cup of red split lentils (100g)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Greek yoghurt and cilantro leaves to serve
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic the chopped cilantro/coriander stems along with ¼ teaspoon of dried red chilli flakes, 1 heaped teaspoon each of Garam Masala and ground cumin. Stir well and cook for just one minute, any longer and the spices will burn.
- Add the chopped carrots and pour in the chopped tomatoes and the vegetable stock. Stir everything together then add the lentils. Stir well, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes. The soup is ready once the carrots are tender and the lentils are cooked.
- Blend the soup with a hand-held blender until it is smooth. Finely chop the cilantro/coriander leaves.Serve it with a good dollop of Greek yoghurt, chopped cilantro/coriander and some good crusty bread.
Notes
- Nutritional Information - information listed is approximate and is calculated using an online nutrition tool. It does not include Greek yoghurt or bread. If you want to reduce the calories in this then you could swap the olive oil for a couple of sprays of olive oil. You could also use fat-free Greek yoghurt as a topping.
- Carrots - I use large orange carrots for this, they are always peeled for this recipe.
- Lentils - Red split lentils are a great choice for this soup. They are a store cupboard ingredient and are really cheap. You could use canned green lentils if you wish, please be aware that the colour of the soup may be different to that pictured of you use green lentils. If you want to use Puy lentils I would blend the soup first then add the lentils and cook until they are hot.
- Stock - I make my vegetable stock using a low sodium vegan vegetable bouillon. Any premade stock will do but I would try and keep it low sodium and double-check the packed to make sure it is vegetarian/vegan.
- Can I make it Gluten-Free? Yes, just make sure the stock you use is gluten-free.
- Is it Vegan? Yes, the soup itself is vegan, I haven't categorized it as vegan as I have included Greek yoghurt as a topping.
- Can I Freeze this Soup? Yes, leave the soup to cool then transfer it to freezer-friendly bags or containers. Label the containers then pop in the freezer. Defrost the soup overnight in the fridge then reheat on the hob until piping hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.8g | Protein: 5.6g | Fat: 2.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
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Shelley
I have several lentil soup recipes and loved the idea of the warm spices added to this one. It was a winner. I also added a bulb of fennel when sautéing onions and carrots. Was it noticeable, not sure but nothing wrong more veggies. The warm spices and the bit of heat were perfect. I have a couple containers for the freezer, plus some for now. Will bebperfect for those cold winter days.
Michelle Alston
Hi Shelly, thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked it, I love the idea of adding fennel too, will have to try that next time I make this x
Lor
Looks lovely, can I use passata instead of canned chopped tomatoes?
Michelle Alston
Hi Lor, I've not tested this with passata but I imagine it would be ok x
Emmie Rose
I didn't have any spices and couldn't get to shops (closed here on a Sunday in Germany) so I used some curry paste instead and was still so delicious. Thank you for this heart warming winter soup recipe.
Michelle Alston
Hi Emmie Rose, I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Susan Fenwick
Love this soup! Perfect combination of flavours..wonderful on a chilly day with a side of naan!
Michelle Alston
Hi Susan, I'm so glad you loved it! It's one of my favourites 🙂
John Young
lovely, and easy to make. Thanks for sharing
Michelle Alston
Thanks John, I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Lucas Domansky
Phenomenal recipe for those cold winter months,
It's nice even without the cream or yogurt
I also add yellow split peas and also sometimes choped smoked bacon then garnish with table spoon of piripiri sauce for those who like it extra hot 🙂
Michelle Alston
Hi Lucas, thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
L
Hello
Could I use double cream instead of Greek yoghurt?!
Thanks
Michelle Alston
Hi, the Greek yoghurt is just a topping so you could absolutely add some double cream instead.
Karen Leeson
Really enjoyed the Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup recipe. Tastes even better if left overnight before blending!
Didn't add the coriander or the greek yoghurt but will do next time.
Great simple tasty soup for autumn and winter.
Michelle Alston
Hi Karen, thank you so much. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Alyssa
Do you think this could be made in a slow cooker? Sounds wonderful!
Michelle Alston
Hi Alyssa, I haven't made this is a slow cooker but I imagine it would work really well. Just make sure you rinse the lentils before you add them to the slow cooker. I would add them at the same time as you add the vegetables. I hope that helps x
Marie
Just made and eaten this. Delicious, loved the spices , thanks
Michelle Alston
Hi Marie, you're so welcome! I'm really glad you liked it 🙂
Denisse Salinas
Carrot and lentils -a match made in heaven. Sweet, nutty and creamy. Without the proper spices, veggie soups can be a bit bland but your mixture sounds so heavenly - I cannot wait to try!
Natalie
Looks so creamy and comforting! Perfect for upcoming winter. Pinning for later ♥
Annie @ Annie's Noms
This looks so hearty and delicious!! Homemade soup is just the ticket as the weather turns colder!
Veena Azmanov
A creamy, healthy and delicious Dinner option.
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
This bowl of spiced carrot and lentil soup looks so colourful. I bet that the Greek yoghurt makes this even better!
Jacqueline Debono
I love the colour and the flavour combination in this spiced carrot and lentil soup. Fabulous warming winter soup!