Quick and Easy Lentil Soup for Iftar

Super delicious soup recipe with a spicy kick, this rich red lentil soup is made by cooking lentils with aromatics, tomato paste, and veggies and is flavored with savory spices, perfect for iftar.

Looking for a super cozy vegetarian soup recipe to warm you up? Soup is always a good idea. I mean, who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of soup? When it comes to flavor and nutrition in one bowl, nothing can beat red lentil soup.  

A staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, lentils act as a blank canvas for creating a variety of flavors. This nutritious lentil soup is comforting enough to eat all year round but hits the spot when sipped on after a long day of fasting.

Being a potent source of protein (about 25% making it a great alternative to meat), fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, this easy lentil soup is delicious and healthy.

I love this soup so much that it’s in heavy rotation in my house especially during Ramadan. It’s hearty, warming, and comforting. What else could you ask for? This quick one-pot recipe will be ready in 45 minutes. Let’s dive deep to learn about ingredients and how to make this tasty soup.

Ingredients:

Red Lentils: The key ingredient in lentil soup and a potent source of protein and fiber.

Avocado oil: To sauté onion and vegetables.

Veggies: Add whatever veggies you have on hand. I have used carrots, celery, and pepper.

Aromatics: Onion and garlic to add flavor.

Spices and Seasonings: I have used cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper (to taste) to season the soup.

Tomato paste: To add a hearty flavor and vibrant color.

Water: provides a liquid base for the soup to cook lentils and veggies. You can also use broth; it all depends on your personal preference.

Butter: To the soup with seasoned butter made with butter, red pepper flakes, and paprika for added flavor (skip red chili flakes if you don’t like spicy)

How to make red lentil soup

Rinse lentils under running water to remove impurities.

Heat avocado oil in a large pot and sauté onions for 2 minutes.

Then add chopped carrots, celery, red pepper, tomato paste, spices, and lentils.

Stir in water, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25 minutes or until cooked through.

Adjust the seasonings, blend the mixture with an immersion blender, and finish the soup with seasoned butter.

Serve hot with your favorite bread.

Recipe tips:

• Rinse the lentils under running water before cooking to remove debris or impurities.
• Use a large pot to make the soup, as the lentils will expand as they cook.
• Sauté the vegetables in oil or butter before adding the lentils and water to develop their flavors and add richness to the soup.
• Before blending the soup, make sure the lentils are cooked through.
• Consider blending the soup with a hand blender or food processor to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Lentil Soup FAQs:

Are lentils healthy?

Lentils are incredibly healthy food. They are an excellent source of essential nutrients including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Lentils are a good source of iron and folate. Furthermore, lentils are lower in fat and calories.

Do I need to soak lentils before cooking them?

No, lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking. However, rinse them under running water to remove any debris or dirt.

Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of lentils for this recipe, although the cooking time may vary depending on the lentils you use. Red lentils cook faster than other types of lentils, so if you use a different type of lentil, you may need to adjust the cooking time and quantity of liquid accordingly. Additionally, the flavor and texture of the soup may vary slightly depending on the type of lentil you use.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup three days ahead of time. Let the soup cool at room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the soup, transfer the soup to the pot and heat over medium heat on a stovetop.

Can I use vegetable broth /chicken broth for this recipe?

You can use vegetable or low-sodium vegan broth for a hearty meal. You can also use chicken or beef broth.