Cozy Spiced Lentil Soup Recipe for Cold Days

The aroma of spiced lentil soup fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm blanket on a cold day. Its rich, earthy flavors dance with notes of cumin and coriander, creating a cozy embrace that melts away stress and warms the soul. Picture this: a hearty bowl in hand, steam rising as you take that first spoonful, the warmth radiating from your fingertips to your heart.

Spiced lentil soup isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need comfort after a long day. I remember making this soup one rainy afternoon when my friends dropped by unannounced. They were skeptical at first, but one taste later and they were begging for seconds, their laughter filling my kitchen as we slurped down every last drop.

I once served this soup at a family gathering, and it was such a hit that my aunt requested it be the star of every holiday meal from then on.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: These varieties hold their shape well during cooking and provide a lovely texture to the soup.

• Carrots: Fresh, vibrant carrots add sweetness and color; choose firm ones for the best flavor.

• Onion: A medium onion brings aromatic depth; chop it finely for an even distribution of flavor.

• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for the best taste; they add an irresistible fragrance to the mix.

• Cumin: This spice is essential for that warm, earthy flavor; freshly ground offers the best potency.

• Coriander: Adds citrusy notes that brighten up the soup; opt for whole seeds if possible.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing depth; homemade is always best!

• Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add nutrients and color; toss them in just before serving for vibrancy.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up all flavors beautifully; don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop your carrots and onion into small pieces for even cooking.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Toss in those vibrant carrots. Sauté them alongside the onions until slightly softened; this should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add Lentils and Spices: Stir in your rinsed lentils along with cumin and coriander. Cook everything together for another minute to toast those spices just right.

Pour in Broth: Carefully add vegetable broth to cover everything generously. Bring it all to a boil before reducing heat to let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes.

Add Greens and Finish Up: When lentils are tender, stir in your spinach or kale along with lemon juice to brighten up those flavors. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until greens are tender yet vibrant.

And there you have it! A steaming bowl of spiced lentil soup awaits you—perfectly seasoned and beautifully colorful!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add spices before the lentils. This sequence ensures the spices bloom, enhancing the soup’s flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap lentils for chickpeas or add kale for extra nutrients. Experimenting with different herbs can also give your soup a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store spiced lentil soup in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding water if needed for consistency.

Cooking this spiced lentil soup always brings back memories of chilly evenings spent with friends, enjoying laughter and warmth around the table.

FAQ

Can I freeze spiced lentil soup?

Yes, spiced lentil soup freezes well for up to three months in airtight containers.

What type of lentils are best for this recipe?

Green or brown lentils hold their shape and work wonderfully in spiced lentil soup.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

This spiced lentil soup is naturally vegetarian; just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Print

Spiced Lentil Soup

---

• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spiced Lentil Soup is a warm, comforting dish that envelops you in rich, earthy flavors. Perfect for chilly nights, this hearty soup combines green lentils, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant spices to create a meal that nourishes the body and soul. With its delightful aroma filling your kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil

---

Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. Chop carrots and onion.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add carrots and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in lentils, cumin, and coriander; cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Stir in spinach/kale and lemon juice; cook for another 5 minutes until greens are tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 225
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Substitute chickpeas for lentils for a different texture. Experiment with herbs such as thyme or bay leaves for added flavor.