Cozy Indian-Inspired Lentil Soup for Autumn Evenings
45
min
110
Calories
2g
Fats
15g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Discover the warmth of Indian-inspired flavors with this hearty lentil soup. A perfect blend of spices and earthy lentils makes this gluten-free, dairy-free recipe your new go-to comfort food. Ready in 45 minutes, it's ideal for busy autumn evenings.
Ingredients:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook these for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pro Tip: Cutting the onion into small pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes
With the onions and garlic softened, add the canned tomatoes along with their juice into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to mash the tomatoes into smaller chunks. This will help to release their flavor and blend smoothly into the soup.
Pro Tip: Mashing the tomatoes directly in the pot saves on dishes and time.
Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Lentils
Pour in the chicken broth and add the lentils to the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and allow the soup to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
Pro Tip: Keeping a lid on the pot speeds up the boiling process.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Halfway through the cooking process, add the masala, curry, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup. This will infuse the soup with the rich, aromatic flavors typical of Indian cuisine.
Pro Tip: Adjust spice levels to taste, remembering they'll intensify slightly as the soup cooks.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the lentils are tender, your soup is nearly ready to serve. Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of ground black pepper, and a small wedge of lemon. These final garnishes brighten the soup's flavors and add a fresh contrast to the rich, spicy broth.
Pro Tip: Fresh lemon juice adds a lovely zest and brightness to the soup.
Step 6: Store and Enjoy
For convenience, divide the soup into microwavable containers. If it thickens up, simply add a little extra chicken broth before reheating. This makes for a perfect, quick lunch that's both nutritious and satisfying.
Pro Tip: This soup freezes well, so feel free to make a big batch.
