Description
A hearty and nutritious soup featuring caramelized onions and red lentils, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onions. Cook until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot, stirring to release their aromas for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate the red lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and carrots. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are soft.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro if desired.
Notes
Caramelizing the onions is crucial for flavor depth. Allow enough time for proper cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg