Spicy Lentil Soup: Healthy & Warming Recipe
This Spicy Lentil Soup is a healthy and warming dish packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and spices. It combines hearty lentils with aromatic spices, fresh greens, and a touch of heat for a comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. The soup is easy to prepare, wholesome, and can be made smoother with an optional blending step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
Spices & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Legumes & Liquids
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
Finishing & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well combined with the vegetables.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth (or water), and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped kale or spinach so it wilts gently. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer one or two cups of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, spicy flavors.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, blending part of it will add creaminess without using cream.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freezes nicely for meal prep.
- Use vegetable broth for added flavor or water for a lighter version.
- Substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens depending on availability or preference.
Keywords: spicy lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, vegan soup, healthy soup, warming soup, easy lentil soup
