This Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup is the perfect dish to warm your soul on chilly days. Packed with nutritious lentils and vibrant carrots, this soup is spiced with a blend of aromatic herbs that elevate its flavor profile. The creamy cilantro yogurt swirl adds a refreshing touch, enhancing each spoonful!
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this soup is not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main dish, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils and vegetable broth to the pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the soup for a creamier texture, leaving some lentils whole for bite.
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
- Serve the soup hot, drizzling with cilantro yogurt swirl on top. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Notes
Tip: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the finished soup. If you want to make it even heartier, feel free to toss in some diced potatoes or spinach!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up. This soup also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.