Description
A hearty and flavorful Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup combining aromatic spices, tender carrots, and protein-rich red lentils, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups red lentils, rinsed until water runs clear
- 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Then add the ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon. Continue to sauté the mixture for about 4 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
- Cook Carrots Until Tender: Add the chopped carrots to the pot and sauté until they become tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Lentils: Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth, the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the rinsed red lentils. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are fully tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Choose to serve the soup chunky with visible carrots, lentils, and tomatoes or use a handheld immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup partially or fully, creating a creamy texture that balances thickness and chunkiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of blending based on your texture preference, either fully smooth, half blended, or fully chunky.
- Add more vegetable broth or water if the soup thickens too much during simmering.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For extra protein, consider topping with a dollop of plain yogurt if dairy is acceptable.
- Adjust spices according to taste to make it more or less spicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
