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Hearty Lentil Soup with Cumin and Turmeric

hearty lentil soup with cumin and turmeric - featured image
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A warm, comforting lentil soup infused with toasted cumin seeds and turmeric, perfect for cold days. This easy homemade recipe delivers rich, earthy flavors and nourishing ingredients in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth, homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer and pick over to remove any debris. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darker, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
  3. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir and cook until softened and translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in ground turmeric, ground coriander (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to combine flavors.
  5. Add rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes. Check lentils for tenderness starting at 25 minutes; they should be soft but not mushy.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Notes

Toast cumin seeds before adding to the soup to enhance their nutty flavor. Do not overcook lentils to avoid mushy texture. Adjust soup thickness by adding broth or simmering uncovered. For a smoother texture, partially blend with an immersion blender. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for heat, seasonal vegetables, or protein like shredded chicken or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil soup, cumin, turmeric, hearty soup, vegan soup, gluten-free, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/hearty-lentil-soup-with-cumin-and-turmeric-easy-homemade-recipe-for-cold-days/