Velvety Spiced Red Lentil Soup
Perfect for using up pantry staples, this Velvety Spiced Red Lentil Soup is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly in your crock pot. Rich in flavor and nutrition, this vegan delight features red lentils as the star ingredient, allowing them to cook slowly with aromatic vegetables and spices. Just let the slow cooker do its magic, and in a few hours, you’ll have a deliciously creamy soup that is sure to impress your guests, making it a popular choice for a cozy dinner or a comforting lunch. The addition of cumin and cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making each spoonful a comforting experience. Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a light salad for a complete meal.
10
Servings
122
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Lentils
1 lb (rinsed and drained)
Vegetable Broth
6 cups (low-sodium recommended)
Water
2 cups
Celery
4 (ribs, diced)
Carrots
4 (diced)
Onion
1 (diced)
Garlic
4-6 cloves (minced)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (low-sodium)
Oregano
1 teaspoon
Thyme
1 teaspoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare all your ingredients by dicing the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
2
In a 6-quart crock pot, combine the red lentils, vegetable broth, water, diced celery, diced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes.
3
Stir in the oregano and thyme, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
5
About 30 minutes before serving, add in the cumin and cinnamon, stirring to incorporate the spices.
6
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky. You can do this directly in the crock pot to keep the soup warm.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Spiced Red Lentil Soup?
It is a slow-cooked, vegan soup made with red lentils, aromatic vegetables, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon.
Is this red lentil soup recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 122 calories.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for a 6-quart crock pot or slow cooker.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include red lentils, vegetable broth, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
How long does the soup need to cook on low heat?
In a crock pot, it should cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
How long does the soup need to cook on high heat?
In a crock pot, it should cook on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Do I need to rinse the red lentils?
Yes, the lentils should be rinsed and drained before adding them to the crock pot.
What spices give this soup its warmth?
Cumin and cinnamon are added toward the end of cooking to provide warmth and depth.
How do I achieve a velvety consistency?
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the crock pot once the lentils and vegetables are tender.
When should I add the cumin and cinnamon?
The spices should be stirred in about 30 minutes before serving.
What vegetables should I dice for this recipe?
You need to dice 4 celery ribs, 4 carrots, and 1 onion.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
The recipe uses a combination of 6 cups of vegetable broth and 2 cups of water for optimal flavor.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, though you should verify your vegetable broth label.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
One 14-ounce can of low-sodium diced tomatoes is recommended.
Can I leave the soup chunky?
Yes, you can use the immersion blender to reach your desired consistency, whether that is fully smooth or slightly chunky.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
One teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme are mixed in at the start of cooking.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe as it mostly involves dicing vegetables and letting the slow cooker do the work.
What should I serve with Velvety Spiced Red Lentil Soup?
It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Can I use a regular blender if I don't have an immersion blender?
Yes, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender to puree it.
Why are red lentils used instead of green?
Red lentils soften and break down more easily than green lentils, which helps create a creamier, velvety texture.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, as it makes 10 servings and the flavors often improve after sitting.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices as necessary before serving.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
No, based on the plant-based ingredients, this soup is cholesterol-free.
Is this soup considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its warm spices and hearty, creamy texture.
What size crock pot do I need?
A 6-quart crock pot is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, this soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer storage.