Spicy Lentil Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with bold flavors, this Spicy Lentil Soup is the perfect comfort food for any day of the week. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and a touch of cayenne for heat, this vegan-friendly recipe creates a deeply satisfying meal that's as wholesome as it is delicious. A vibrant blend of diced vegetables, tender greens like spinach or kale, and a bright splash of fresh lemon juice elevate every spoonful, while the optional cilantro garnish adds a fresh herbal note. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make one-pot soup is ideal for meal prep or cozy gatherings, and it pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread for a well-rounded, nourishing dish. Whether you're craving a healthy lunch or a hearty dinner, this spiced lentil soup brings bold flavors and warmth to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional), chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional), chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the soup has thickened.

Step 6

Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

If using spinach or kale, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2609.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1321.7

Total Fat 44.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6771.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 191.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 52.2g	0%
Total Sugars 52.0g
Protein 58.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 680.7mg	0%
Iron 25.6mg	0%
Potassium 6154.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.8%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 54.6%