Spiced Red Lentil Soup with Carrots and Fresh Coriander
This spiced red lentil soup combines tender carrots, garlic, ginger, and warm spices, finished with lemon and coriander for brightness. Naturally creamy and comforting, it’s quick to make and ideal for chilly evenings or busy weeknights when you need hearty flavour in minutes.
Ingredients
- 250 g Red lentils rinsed thoroughly
- 3 Carrots medium, peeled and diced
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 piece Fresh ginger thumb sized, grated
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- ½ tsp Turmeric
- ½ tsp Chilli flakes
- 1.2 l Vegetable stock
- ½ Lemon juiced
- 1 handful Fresh coriander
- Sea salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots, cooking until softened and slightly golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli flakes, and cook for another two minutes to release the aromas.
- Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable stock, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have broken down and the soup is thick and creamy. Stir in lemon juice, season to taste, and finish with fresh coriander before serving.
Notes
Red lentils are essential here because they break down quickly, thickening the soup while adding a creamy consistency. Green or brown lentils won’t soften in the same way, so stick to red if you want the right texture. Always rinse them well under cold water to remove any dust and to prevent excess foaming as they cook.
The spices can be as gentle or as bold as you like. I’ve used cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a touch of chilli for warmth. Fresh ginger adds a subtle brightness that makes the soup feel less stodgy. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger works, but use it sparingly as it’s more pungent.
Nutrition
Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 740mgPotassium: 890mgFiber: 12gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 9800IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
