Fiery Comfort Spicy Lentil Soup
This Fiery Comfort Spicy Lentil Soup is a wholesome and vibrant dish that warms both body and soul. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, fresh vegetables, and a delightful blend of spices, it brings a beautiful balance of nutrition and flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're seeking a bit of culinary cheer, this soup will be a hit with vegetarians and spice enthusiasts alike. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it's a comforting meal that fills not only the stomach but also the heart. Whether shared with friends or savored solo, each bowl promises a nourishing experience that satisfies and delights.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
red lentil
1 cup (washed and soaked in water for 15 minutes)
olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
medium onion
1 (chopped small)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (grated)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground cumin
1/2-1 teaspoon (ground)
chili powder
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (ground)
zucchini
1/2 cup (diced small)
carrot
1/2 cup (diced small)
vegetable stock
5 cups (liquid base for the soup)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
linguine
1-2 ounces (broken into 1-inch pieces)
cilantro
2-4 tablespoons (chopped, optional garnish)
cream
optional (for serving)
sour cream
optional (for serving)
Neufchatel cheese
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and check for any impurities. Place the lentils in a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak for 15 minutes. Once soaked, drain and set aside.
2
While the lentils are soaking, prepare your vegetables by chopping the onion, zucchini, and carrot; crush the garlic; and grate the ginger.
3
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their aromatic flavors.
5
Add the soaked and drained lentils, diced zucchini, diced carrot, and vegetable stock to the saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase the heat and bring this mixture to a boil.
6
Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are nearly tender. Be sure to skim off any scum that appears on the surface.
7
After the vegetables have softened, incorporate the broken linguine into the soup. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and a generous dollop of cream, sour cream, or Neufchatel cheese, depending on your preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Comfort Spicy Lentil Soup?
It is a wholesome and vibrant vegetarian dish that combines protein-rich red lentils, fresh vegetables, and a blend of spices for a comforting meal.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, utilizing vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients like lentils and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of lentils are used in this soup?
The recipe specifically uses 1 cup of red lentils.
Do I need to soak the red lentils?
Yes, you should rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 15 minutes before draining and adding them to the soup.
What vegetables are required for this recipe?
You will need a medium onion, a half-cup of diced zucchini, and a half-cup of diced carrots.
How do I make the soup spicy?
The 'fiery' flavor comes from a combination of fresh ginger, turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder.
What is the liquid base for this soup?
The liquid base consists of 5 cups of vegetable stock.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic that have been crushed.
What kind of pasta is added to the soup?
The recipe uses 1-2 ounces of linguine broken into 1-inch pieces.
When should I add the broken linguine?
Add the linguine after the soup has simmered for 20-30 minutes and the vegetables are nearly tender.
How long does the pasta need to cook in the soup?
The pasta should simmer in the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes until it is al dente.
What oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should I prepare the fresh ginger?
The ginger should be grated, and you will need 1 teaspoon.
What spices are added to the sautéed onions?
Add turmeric, ground cumin, and chili powder to the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture.
Is there a specific way to dice the zucchini and carrots?
Yes, both the zucchini and carrots should be diced into small pieces.
What should I do if scum appears on the surface while simmering?
The instructions advise you to skim off any scum that appears on the surface during the simmering process.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
Garnish with 2-4 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and an optional dollop of cream, sour cream, or Neufchatel cheese.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder, depending on your heat preference.
Can I use Neufchatel cheese in this recipe?
Yes, Neufchatel cheese is listed as an optional creamy garnish for serving.
How long does it take to sauté the initial aromatics?
Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, protein-rich dish that is both healthy and wholesome.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The soup simmers for an initial 20-30 minutes, followed by another 10-15 minutes once the pasta is added.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, the soup itself is vegan. To keep the entire meal vegan, simply omit the optional cream, sour cream, or cheese garnishes.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
When should I season the soup with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper when adding the lentils, vegetables, and stock, and adjust at the end if necessary.
What is the texture of the onion before adding spices?
The onion should be cooked until it is translucent.
Is this a good recipe for comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comfort food dish that is perfect for chilly evenings.
How much turmeric is required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
Can this be considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe to prepare.