This spicy red lentil soup brings together a medley of rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. It's a simple yet hearty dish, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The unique blend of spices like ground cardamom, cayenne pepper and curry powder gives it a delicious kick, while the red lentils add a satisfying texture. Pair it with a slice of warm bread for a complete meal.
The key ingredient of this recipe, red lentils, are loved for their quick cooking time and nutritional value, packed with protein, fiber and essential nutrients. They're available in most supermarkets but if not, a health food or specialty store should certainly stock them. The spices like ground cardamom, cayenne pepper and curry powder, might be found in the international aisle or spice section of your grocery store. Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen if preferred.
Ingredients for Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and form the base of the soup.
Red onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Tomatoes: Provides a tangy flavor and adds to the soup's rich texture.
Frozen spinach: Adds a hit of green and a dose of vitamins.
Red lentils: The star ingredient, providing protein and a hearty texture.
Water: The base of the soup.
Dried basil: Adds aromatic flavor.
Ground cardamom: Provides a unique sweet and spicy flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Ground cayenne pepper: Gives a spicy kick to the soup.
Curry powder: Adds depth and complexity to the flavors.
One reader, Barnaby Purdy says:
This spicy red lentil soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the spices are perfectly balanced. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's easy to make. I love how the lentils and spinach add a nutritious touch. It's now a staple in my weekly meal plan!
Techniques Required for Making Spicy Red Lentil Soup
How to sauté onions: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the onion until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
How to blend soup: Transfer the soup to a blender (or use a handheld blender), and blend until smooth before serving.
How To Make Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Heat up your day with this spicy red lentil soup recipe, livened up with the combined spices of cardamom, cayenne, cumin, and curry.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tspolive oil
- 1½cupsred onion,chopped
- Salt and pepper ,to taste
- 28oztomatoes,diced
- 1½cupsfrozen spinach,chopped
- 2cupsdry red lentils
- 2cupswater
- 2tspdried basil
- 1½tspground cardamom
- 1tspground cumin
- ½tspground cayenne pepper
- ½tspcurry powder
Equipments
-
blender or handheld blender
Instructions
-
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the onion until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Mix in tomatoes, spinach, and lentils, then pour in water. Season with basil, cardamom, cumin, cayenne pepper, and curry powder.
-
Bring to a boil and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender.
-
Transfer the soup to a blender (or use a handheld blender), and blend until smooth before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280.33kcal
- Fat: 1.96g
- Saturated Fat: 0.30g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.59g
- Carbohydrates: 51.11g
- Fiber: 9.92g
- Sugar: 6.54g
- Protein: 17.89g
- Sodium: 757.93mg
- Calcium: 70.90mg
- Potassium: 883.15mg
- Iron: 5.47mg
- Vitamin A: 95.72µg
- Vitamin C: 26.32mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Spicy Red Lentil Soup
When blending hot liquids like the soup, it's important to remove the center piece of the blender lid to allow steam to escape. Cover the hole with a kitchen towel while blending to prevent splashes. This will ensure a smooth blend without the risk of a blender explosion due to built-up steam.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cook everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of soup and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Use canned ingredients: Utilize canned tomatoes and pre-cooked lentils to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Invest in a blender: A high-speed blender can quickly puree soups and sauces to a smooth consistency.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Red Lentil Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for red onions, providing a slightly milder flavor while still adding depth to the soup.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience and consistent flavor.
frozen spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be used as a substitute for frozen spinach, providing a vibrant color and slightly different texture to the soup.
dry red lentils - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils can be used as a substitute for red lentils, offering a similar texture and taste in the soup.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used to substitute water, adding depth of flavor to the soup.
dried basil - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for dried basil, providing a more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the soup.
ground cardamom - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for cardamom, providing a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, offering a similar earthy and citrusy flavor to the soup.
ground cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for cayenne pepper, providing a milder heat and vibrant color to the soup.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala can be used as a substitute for curry powder, offering a complex and aromatic blend of spices to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a shallow bowl, ensuring that the vibrant red color of the soup is prominently displayed. Use a circular motion to create a smooth surface, and ensure that the edges are clean and free of any spills.
Garnish with a swirl of coconut cream: Drizzle a small, delicate swirl of coconut cream on the surface of the soup. Use a toothpick to create a beautiful, intricate design that adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Sprinkle with toasted cumin seeds: Sprinkle a few toasted cumin seeds on top of the soup. The aromatic and slightly smoky flavor of the cumin will complement the spices in the soup and add a delightful crunch.
Add a pop of color with fresh cilantro leaves: Place a few fresh cilantro leaves on one side of the bowl to add a vibrant pop of green color. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a refreshing herbal aroma to the dish.
Serve with warm naan bread: Accompany the soup with warm naan bread, neatly folded and placed alongside the bowl. The soft, pillowy texture of the naan provides a delightful contrast to the hearty soup.
Present in a sophisticated manner: Place the bowl on a sleek, white plate, ensuring that the presentation is clean and sophisticated. The contrast of the red soup against the white plate creates a visually stunning effect.
Essential Tools for Making Spicy Red Lentil Soup
- Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking the soup and allowing it to simmer without burning.
- Blender: A blender is needed to puree the soup into a smooth consistency before serving.
- Handheld blender: A handheld blender can also be used to puree the soup directly in the pot, making it convenient and easy to use.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring the soup and ensuring that it cooks evenly.
- Measuring cups: Measuring cups are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients, especially for the lentils and water.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is needed for chopping the onions and preparing the ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping the onions and any other vegetables that may need to be prepared.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the soup while it simmers and ensuring that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
How To Store and Freeze Spicy Red Lentil Soup
- Allow the spicy red lentil soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup for longer storage:
- Divide the cooled soup into individual serving-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage.
- Frozen red lentil soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the soup:
- For refrigerated soup, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For frozen soup, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting.
- Once thawed, transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Stir the reheated soup well before serving, as some separation may occur during storage.
- Enjoy your reheated spicy red lentil soup garnished with fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover spicy red lentil soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly reheated without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the lentils to become mushy.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and set it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is heated through. This method is ideal if you want to reheat the soup over a longer period without having to monitor it closely. It also allows the flavors to meld together even more, enhancing the overall taste of the spicy red lentil soup.
Add a splash of water or broth: if the leftover soup has thickened up in the refrigerator, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help thin it out and restore its original consistency. This will also help prevent the soup from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot during reheating.
Adjust the seasoning: after reheating the soup, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavors may have mellowed or intensified during storage, so you may need to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra spices to bring the soup back to its original taste.
Random Fact About Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and are rich in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Is Making Spicy Red Lentil Soup at Home Economical?
This spicy red lentil soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Red lentils are an affordable source of protein and fiber, while the addition of tomatoes and spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals. The use of spices adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10.
Is This Spicy Soup Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This spicy red lentil soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome choice. Here's why:
- Red lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.
- Tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
- Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
- The recipe uses a minimal amount of oil, which helps keep the calorie count in check.
- The blend of aromatic spices not only adds flavor but also offers potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt to lower the sodium content. You can always add more to taste when serving.
- Include more vegetables to increase the nutrient density. Consider adding carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup.
- Experiment with different leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for variety and added nutritional benefits.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk when serving, which will also provide some healthy fats and extra protein.
- To make it a complete meal, serve the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or a quinoa salad for added fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Red Lentil Soup Recipe
The spicy red lentil soup recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of red lentils, tomatoes, and spinach creates a hearty and nutritious base, while the blend of aromatic spices adds depth and warmth to the dish. The method of blending the soup after cooking results in a velvety smooth texture, elevating the overall dining experience. This recipe is a perfect balance of heat and earthiness, making it a comforting and satisfying choice for any occasion.
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Why trust this Spicy Red Lentil Soup Recipe:
This spicy red lentil soup recipe is a must-try for all soup lovers. The combination of red lentils, tomatoes, and spinach creates a hearty and nutritious dish. The aromatic blend of basil, cardamom, cumin, and curry powder adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The use of olive oil and the cooking technique of sautéing the onion until golden brown enhances the overall taste. This recipe's simplicity and use of wholesome ingredients make it a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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