Spicy Red Lentil Soup

Warm, earthy, and hearty…

Lentils are so unassuming – small on their own, yet in bulk they sure pack a hearty and earthy punch. This spicy red lentil soup adds a little fire and exotic spice to the lentil’s built-in earthiness.

All it takes is a single jalapeño pepper, or if you want things spicier opt for a serrano (often twice the spice). Or opt for some crushed red pepper as a post-cooking finishing spice to add a little extra pop (totally optional). Serve the soup with crusty bread, and you have something that’ll fill you up like a full meal.

Spicy Red Lentil Soup

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups red lentils
• 6 plum tomatoes diced, or 1 can (15 ounce) of diced tomatoes
• 7 carrots diced
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper stemmed, seeds removed, and diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper more to taste
• Crushed red pepper optional

Instructions

• In a high-sided saucepan (or soup pot) over medium heat, heat the olive oil then cook the onion and garlic, stirring often, until the onion is translucent (2 to 3 minutes). 
• Add the carrots and jalapeño pepper to the saucepan and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have softened (approximately 7 to 8 minutes).
• Add the coriander, turmeric, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 1 or 2 more minutes.
• Add the vegetable broth, plum tomatoes, and red lentils - stir to combine. Lower the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are softened. 
• Using a hand food processor or blender, blend the red lentil soup to your desired consistency. It can remain chunky or be totally smooth.
• Add more salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper (optional, if you want it spicier) to taste, then serve.

Notes

Want it spicier? Try a fresh serrano pepper instead of a jalapeño. Serranos are typically double the heat. 

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