Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup

$To make this delicious soup, gather these key items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup red lentils, rinsed - 4 cups vegetable broth These ingredients form the base of your soup. The olive oil helps with cooking, while the onions and garlic add flavor. Next, you need to add some spices: - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric - Salt and pepper to taste These spices bring warmth and depth to the soup. They work together to create a rich and inviting taste. To finish your soup, consider adding: - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Fresh parsley for garnish The lemon juice adds a bright note. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness to your dish. These garnishes make your soup look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions. Cook them for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them to become deeply caramelized and golden brown. This step brings out their natural sweetness. The smell will fill your kitchen with warmth. Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for another 2 minutes. Watch for the garlic to become fragrant. This timing is key to avoid burning it. Garlic adds a lovely flavor that pairs well with caramelized onions. Now, stir in the rinsed red lentils. Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. This step coats the lentils with oil and spices. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes. The lentils should be soft and fully cooked. After cooking, you can blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer it chunky, that works too. Finally, stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. To get the best color and flavor, you need to cook the onions slowly. Start with medium heat and a good amount of olive oil. Stir often, allowing the onions to soften and turn golden brown. Aim for about 15-20 minutes. The longer you cook, the sweeter the onions become. This step adds richness to your soup that you don't want to miss! For a smooth soup, an immersion blender works best. Blend the soup until it reaches your desired thickness. If you like it chunky, blend only half the soup and leave some lentils whole. This gives great texture and keeps it hearty. Remember, blending can change the flavor, so taste as you go! Adding spices can elevate your soup. Ground cumin gives warmth, while smoked paprika adds a hint of smoke. Turmeric offers a nice color and health benefits too. Fresh herbs, like parsley, can brighten the flavor right before serving. Don't forget to squeeze in some lemon juice! It adds a fresh twist and balances the richness. Pro Tips Caramelization is Key: Make sure to cook the onions slowly to achieve deep caramelization, enhancing the sweetness and depth of the soup. Texture Preference: Blend the soup to your desired consistency, whether smooth or chunky, to suit your taste. Herb Infusion: Add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for an extra layer of flavor. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers! {{image_2}} You can swap red lentils for chickpeas or green lentils. Chickpeas add a creamy texture. Green lentils stay firm and add more bite. Both options bring their own flavor and fun twist to the soup. Want to change things up? Try adding spices like coriander or ginger for warmth. You can also toss in veggies like carrots or spinach. Each adds color and nutrition. Experimenting with flavors helps you find your perfect bowl. This soup is already vegan and gluten-free. To keep it that way, check your broth. Some broth brands may add gluten. Always read labels to ensure your meal fits dietary needs. Enjoy knowing this soup is for everyone! Store leftover soup in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Let the soup cool before sealing. This helps keep it from getting soggy. When you want to eat it again, just open the container and enjoy. You can freeze this soup for later. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Label the bags with the date. The soup stays good for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, take the soup out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Pour it into a pot and heat on low. Stir often to keep it from sticking. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy the rich flavors as they come back to life! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. I suggest making a big batch. You can keep it for three to four days. Just let it cool before placing it in a container. For meal prepping, make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This soup pairs well with many tasty side dishes. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread: A fresh baguette or sourdough works well. - Green salad: A simple salad adds a nice crunch. - Grilled cheese: This classic comfort food complements the soup. - Rice: A side of rice can make the meal heartier. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! If you want to add some heat, try these tips: - Use red pepper flakes: Sprinkle them in while cooking for a nice kick. - Add diced jalapeños: They give a fresh, spicy flavor. - Mix in hot sauce: A few drops can boost the spice level. Adjust the heat to your liking. Start with a little, and taste as you go! Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup combines simple ingredients for rich flavor. You learned about the key components, like olive oil, spices, and optional garnishes. I shared tips for perfecting your soup and suggested variations for different tastes. Storing and reheating ensure your leftovers stay delicious. Enjoy experimenting with this warm, healthy dish. It’s easy, tasty, and adaptable for everyone. You can create your own version while keeping the comforting essence intact. I hope you make this soup soon and enjoy every spoonful!$

Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup made with caramelized onions and red lentils, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon turmeric
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed red lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric, coating the lentils with the oil and spices for about 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency, or leave it chunky if preferred.
Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with crusty bread.

Keyword healthy, lentils, soup, vegetarian