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two bowls filled with ginger carrot lentil soup with sourdough bread served on the side

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Meenakshi
Warm up your kitchen with a bowl filled with comforting carrot and lentil soup, a wholesome blend of earthy lentils, aromatic spices, and sweet carrots that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Fill it into bread bowls, and this perfect blend of flavor and nutrition will brighten your evenings—one spoonful at a time.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups Carrots ( chopped)
  • 1 cup red lentils ( washed)
  • 1 large onion ( Coarsely chopped)
  • 6-7 cloves of garlic
  • 2- inch ginger
  • 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt or as per taste
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 vegetable bouillon or 6 cups of vegetable stock

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Chop carrots, onion, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger into pieces.
  • Rinse red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat oil in a large heavy bottom pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft and fragrant.
  • Deglaze with water or stock if the mixture sticks.

Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes

  • Add chopped tomatoes and carrots to the aromatics.
  • Stir in spices (salt, turmeric, cumin, paprika, black pepper) and toast for flavor.
  • Add tomato paste, cook until thick and fragrant. Cover and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

  • Add rinsed lentils and vegetable bouillon/stock.
  • Partially cover and simmer until lentils and carrots are tender, stirring occasionally and adding water/stock if needed.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

  • Mix in half the sour cream. Blend the soup partially (for texture) or fully (for smoothness).
  • Stir in sour cream, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish with sour cream, paprika, or fresh herbs.
  • Pair with crusty bread or salad on the side.

Notes

  •  Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove dirt or debris, ensuring a clean taste and smooth texture.
  •  Cool the soup slightly before blending in a countertop blender to prevent splattering.
  •  Use spices sparingly if you're unfamiliar with turmeric or paprika, starting with small amounts and adjusting as needed.
  • Substitute red lentils with yellow lentils or split peas, keeping in mind they may require different cooking times.
  •  Vegan alternative: Swap sour cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar creamy consistency.
  • Tomato alternatives: Use canned or sun-dried tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
  • Stock / Broth options: Replace vegetable stock with chicken stock or water mixed with soy sauce for added depth.
  • Adjust consistency: Thin overly thick soup with additional water or stock to achieve the desired texture.
  •  Fix overly salty soup: Add a splash of lemon juice or simmer a potato chunk in the soup to balance flavors.
  • Boost flavor: For extra depth, incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or a bit more roasted cumin.

📋 Nutrition Facts

a table of nutrition facts about the carrot lentil soup

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal
Keyword Carrot and Lentil Soup, Carrot lentil soup, carrot lentil soup recipe, creamy red lentil soup, ginger carrot lentil soup, spiced carrot and lentil soup
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