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brown lentil soup on and a spoon

Brown Lentil Soup

Diana Kostrov
This brown lentil soup is nutritious, comforting, and full of deep, savory flavors. Hearty lentils, warming spices, and bright acidity make it both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Deep pot

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup dry brown lentils (soaked in water for at least 3 hours)
  • 1 carrot (cut into medium-sized pieces)
  • 1 liter boiling water
  • 3 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp organic soup blend
  • 1/2 tsp each: turmeric, paprika, mushroom powder
  • 1/3 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 lemon (juiced)
  • 1/2 cup crushed or grated tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil. Heat olive oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat.
  • Cook the carrot. Add the carrot and fry for 3 minutes.
  • Toast the spices. Add the spices and tomato paste, and fry for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the lentils. Add the soaked lentils and mix well.
  • Pour in the water. Reduce to medium heat and pour in the boiling water.
  • Simmer the soup. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add tomatoes and bay leaves. Add the crushed tomatoes and bay leaves. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • Thicken the soup. Uncover the pot and cook for 10 more minutes. Then, add the parsley and lemon juice. Cover again and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Serve and enjoy. Serve warm with a dollop of vegan yogurt for the perfect pairing!

Video

Notes

  1. Soaking the Lentils: Soaking the lentils for at least 3 hours helps them cook faster and improves digestibility.
  2. Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For a thinner texture, add more boiling water as needed.
  3. Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste—add more paprika for smokiness or a pinch of chili for heat.
  4. Lemon Brightness: The lemon juice at the end balances the flavors—don't skip it! You can also add extra if you love acidity.
  5. Leftovers & Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better!