Description
This Ethiopian Red Lentil Soup is a hearty and comforting dish made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Featuring red lentils simmered with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, it brings warmth and rich flavors to your table in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is nutritious, easy to prepare, and pairs wonderfully with bread or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentils and Vegetables
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a pot over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in 1 teaspoon each of turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook the spices briefly to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
- Add main ingredients: Pour in the red lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, diced carrot, and chopped bell pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season and adjust: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot lentil soup into bowls and enjoy it with bread or rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can partially blend the soup using an immersion blender.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
- This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
