Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Red Lentil Soup Recipe – quick and easy to make, loaded with Mediterranean flavors.

Red lentil soup in a red Dutch oven

No crock pot or instant pot needed for this delicious Red Lentil Soup Recipe. Just some basic ingredients and 30 minutes to make. Low-calorie, nutritious and perfect for meal planning.

Made with red split lentils, carrots, broth, spices, tomato sauce, onion and garlic.

What ingredients do I need to make this easy red lentil soup recipe?

  • olive oil
  • onion
  • garlic
  • salt
  • pepper
  • cumin
  • carrots
  • red lentils
  • tomato sauce
  • water
  • chicken or vegetable stock
  • dill or parsley

Red lentil soup recipe in a bowl

What are red lentils?

You may have had red, green and brown lentils, but what really the difference between the three is and what is the best way to cook them? Besides the color, all three kinds of lentils have different taste and flavor when cooked.

Red lentils are split lentils with orange-pink color, these have a nutty flavor and cook fast (20 minutes). They don’t hold their shape well and turn mushy when used in recipes. Used in Indian and Middle Eastern recipes, they are perfect for curries and soups or even creamed lentil dishes and dips.

Brown lentils – I grew up eating these and I can say they are the most common variety of lentils. They can vary in color from brown to khaki, hold their shape well and take around 30 minutes to cook. Great for soups and stews.

Green Lentils – these take the longest time to cook and have firm texture, green color and peppery flavor. They are perfect for salads.

Easy red lentil soup in a white bowl

How to make red lentil soup on the stove top?

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot.
  2. Add onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Next add garlic and carrot, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. When the carrot has softened add the spices and tomato sauce.
  4. Pick through lentils and quickly rinse under cold water, then add to the pot.
  5. Add water and chicken or vegetable stock.
  6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are fully cooked and the soup has thickened. Add more salt and cumin if needed.
  7. Serve warm.

A ladle filled with Red lentil soup

Can you freeze red lentil soup?

This red lentil soup recipe is perfect for freezing. Freeze in an air-tight container or zip lock bags for up to 2 months. Reheat defrosted or frozen on the stove top or in a microwave.

Red lentil soup for weight loss

Red lentils are an excellent choice if you are trying to lose weight.

They lentils contain no fat and are high in fiber, they will fill you up without adding unnecessary calories to your meal.

Red lentil soup in a pot

Toppings for red lentil soup:

Fresh herbs, hot crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil are the perfect toppings for this creamy and flavorful red lentil soup.

More lentil recipes:

Servings: 6

Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Red Lentil Soup Recipe - quick and easy to make, loaded with Mediterranean flavors.
Red lentil soup in a red Dutch oven
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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 coves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 cup diced carrot
  • 1 1/2 cups red lentils
  • 1/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • dill or parsley for garnishing

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot.
  2. Add onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Next add garlic and carrot, cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. When the carrot has softened add the spices and tomato sauce.
  4. Pick through lentils and quickly rinse under cold water, then add to the pot.
  5. Add water and chicken or vegetable stock.Â
  6. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are fully cooked and the soup has thickened. Add more salt and cumin if needed.
  7. Serve warm.
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: red lentil soup

Nutrition Information

Calories: 224, Fat: 5g, Sodium: 1099mg, Potassium: 540mg, Carbohydrates: 32g, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 3g, Protein: 12g, Vitamin A: 2190%, Vitamin C: 5%, Calcium: 39%, Iron: 3.8%