Spicy Sizzle Red Lentil Soup

Warm up your soul with Spicy Sizzle Red Lentil Soup, a bold and hearty dish packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This protein-rich soup combines tender red lentils with a fragrant medley of cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and a fiery kick of cayenne pepper. Sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh vegetables create a savory base, while a splash of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy brightness. Perfectly thickened with lentils and partially blended for a satisfying texture, this soup is garnished with fresh cilantro, a touch of yogurt, and optional chili flakes for an extra spicy kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's a nutritious, plant-based meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Serve it with crusty bread or warm pita for an irresistible bowl of comfort!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons yogurt, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set them aside to drain.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Step 5

Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 7

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice for a brightening touch.

Step 8

Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup for a smooth but slightly textured consistency. Alternatively, you can blend half the soup in a traditional blender and return it to the pot.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or cayenne pepper as needed.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of red chili flakes (if you prefer extra heat), and a dollop of yogurt if desired.

Step 11

Serve hot with crusty bread or warm pita on the side for a satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1800.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1094.9

Total Fat 42.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 3.9mg	0%
Sodium 5358.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.0g	0%
Total Sugars 36.5g
Protein 45.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 415.2mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 4110.4mg	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: 33.1%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 51.1%