Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines sweet, deeply caramelized onions with hearty red lentils and fragrant spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s both nutritious and full of rich, layered flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
2. Step 2: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Step 6: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Otherwise, leave it chunky.
7. Step 7: Stir in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
• Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if not vegetarian for a richer flavor.
• For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or plain yogurt before serving.
• Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat for the best sweetness and color.
• Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors right before serving.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lentils for this soup?

Red lentils work best as they cook quickly and break down to create a creamy texture. Other lentils like green or brown will hold their shape more and require a longer cooking time.

Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this recipe is fully vegan when using vegetable broth. Just double-check the broth ingredients if buying pre-made to ensure there are no animal products.

Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring sweet caramelized onions, hearty red lentils, and aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be enjoyed chunky or blended smooth. Garnished with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice, it delivers a warm, satisfying experience that’s both nutritious and delicious.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions become soft, caramelized, and golden brown, developing a rich, sweet flavor.
2. Add Aromatics and Spices: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir continually for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant and well combined with the onions.
3. Cook the Carrots: Add diced carrots to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the spice flavors.
4. Add Lentils and Liquids: Pour in the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth (or water), and diced tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
6. Blend if Desired: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your preferred texture if you desire a smooth consistency; otherwise, leave the soup chunky for a heartier bite.
7. Season the Soup: Stir in salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, adding a fresh and vibrant finish to the dish.

Notes

• Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing deep flavor; do not rush this step.
• Adjust the amount of water or broth for your preferred soup thickness.
• For extra protein, add a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese when serving.
• This soup can be made gluten free by ensuring the broth used is gluten free.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Caramelized Onion Soup, Red Lentil Soup, Vegan Lentil Soup, Middle Eastern Soup, Healthy Soup