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–+ servings
Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup

Savor the Comfort of Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup

Cozy and nourishing, this Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup combines creamy lentils and sweet caramelized onions for a heartwarming meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil if needed.
  • 2 medium Onions Use yellow or white onions for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best, or substitute with garlic powder.
For the Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Substitute with paprika or coriander if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Replace with regular paprika if needed.
For the Soup
  • 2 medium Carrots Feel free to swap in other vegetables.
  • 1 cup Red Lentils Rinsed before adding.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Substitute with water or chicken broth if not strictly vegan.
  • 1 14.5-ounce can Diced Tomatoes Omit if desired.
  • 1/2 medium Lemon Juice Can substitute with vinegar.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley or Cilantro Chopped for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring frequently for about 15-20 minutes until golden-brown.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Incorporate 2 diced carrots into the pot, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  6. Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy, or leave some chunks for texture.
  7. Stir in the juice of half a lemon and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Always rinse red lentils before cooking. Don't rush caramelization of onions for best flavor.

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