Red lentil soup is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a light yet satisfying lunch. This vibrant, flavorful soup is surprisingly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this version delivers big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. Its rich, earthy flavor from the red lentils is beautifully balanced by a bright, zesty twist: a cooling lemon-mint yogurt topping. This simple addition elevates the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Red lentils cook quickly, making this a weeknight meal hero. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own bowl of delicious, healthy red lentil soup with a refreshing lemon-mint yogurt topping.
Tools Needed
- Saucepan
- Immersion blender
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Butter
- Onion: 1 diced
- Salt: a large pinch
- Tomato paste: 3-4 tablespoons
- Garlic: finely minced or crushed
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne pepper: a little bit
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Water
- Red lentils
- Celery: diced
- Carrot: diced
- Mint leaves
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Plain Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sautéing and Simmering the Soup Base
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, a large pinch of salt, and tomato paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until onions soften and tomato paste caramelizes.
- Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and a little cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth (or water). Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add red lentils, diced celery, and diced carrot. Stir and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 40 minutes, or until vegetables and lentils are tender.
Step 2. Preparing the Lemon Mint Yogurt
- Blanch mint leaves in simmering water, then quickly shock them in cold water. Squeeze out excess water and mash into a paste in a mortar and pestle with salt.
- Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and plain Greek yogurt to the mint paste. Mix well.
Step 3. Finishing the Soup
- Check the soup after about 35 minutes; lentils and vegetables should be very tender. Puree about half of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.
Step 4. Serving the Soup
- Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with a swirl of lemon-mint yogurt and a pinch of finely sliced mint.
Read more: Homemade Chicken Aloo Masala: A Traditional Indian Recipe
Tips
- Don't be afraid to caramelize the tomato paste until it's darker than you're comfortable with; it will add depth of flavor.
- Don't skip the celery and carrot; they add depth of flavor.
- If making the lemon-mint yogurt ahead of time, refrigerate until needed.
- Blending half of the soup creates a creamier, more beautiful color.
- Red lentils create a nicer appearance than other lentil varieties.
- The soup can be made vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and a nut-based yogurt.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 300-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use different lentils?
While red lentils are best for this recipe because they cook quickly and create a smooth soup, you can experiment with other lentils. Keep in mind that they may require longer cooking times and result in a chunkier texture.
2. What can I substitute for the lemon-mint yogurt?
Plain yogurt with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh dill or parsley would work well. A dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche could also be used as an alternative topping.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This vibrant and flavorful red lentil soup, elevated by the refreshing lemon-mint yogurt, is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Its ease of preparation and incredible taste make it a perfect weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this simple yet extraordinary soup!