Description
Warm Mediterranean sunshine fills this hearty Lemon Turmeric Lentil Soup with golden, zesty notes of comfort. Nourishing lentils and bright citrus create a soul-satisfying bowl that connects spice lovers with rich global culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (340g) brown or green lentils, picked and rinsed
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale or spinach, shredded
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups carrot, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1–2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and sliced carrots, seasoning with a pinch of salt, until vegetables become translucent and caramelized, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, black pepper, and vibrant turmeric. Toast spices for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, then add rinsed lentils. Increase heat to high, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature and simmer partially covered for 35-40 minutes until lentils reach a tender, creamy consistency.
- Fold chopped kale or spinach into the simmering soup. Continue cooking uncovered for 4-5 minutes, allowing greens to wilt and integrate with the liquid.
- Remove pot from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped herbs throughout the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and lemon juice as needed for a bright, balanced flavor profile.
Notes
- Boost Flavor Toasting spices before adding liquid helps release their essential oils, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
- Customize Texture For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the cooked lentils and return to the pot, creating a velvety consistency.
- Meal Prep Friendly This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for advance cooking and quick meals.
- Dietary Adaptations Easily make this soup gluten-free and vegan by using vegetable broth and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg