A bowl of red lentil soup with some chili flakes on top and lemon slices on the side
Soups

Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

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5 from 4 votes

This Mediterranean red lentil soup is packed with fresh ingredients and flavors, making it a warm, tasty, and healthy dinner entree that the whole family will enjoy, even the kids ?

This soup brings back memories of my mom cooking it on cold winter nights to warm us up. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some fried pita or french fries, and let the warm, cozy feeling fill your senses. (I know dipping fried pita or french fries sounds weird but trust me, it will make it even more delicious ?)

Did I mention that It’s vegan, easy to fix, and takes less than 30 minutes to cook? Yep, Meatless Mondays just got a lot tastier!

A bowl of soup with some chili flakes on top and lemon slices on the side

Is Red Lentil soup healthy?

  • Lentils are a rich source of plant protein and can easily be considered a meat substitute.
  • Lentils are rich in fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Eating lentils can improve your overall gut function. (1)
  • Lentils are also a great source of Iron, essential in building healthy red blood cells. Vegans and vegetarians usually lack Iron in their diets, but not anymore! (2)
  • Red lentils are low in calories, and with their rich fiber content, you will be full at a less calorie intake, which will help in weight management.
  • Finally, lentils contain a group of substances called Polyphenols. These substances have been related to some great health benefits such as anti-diabetic, cardioprotective (Good for your heart ?), and Anti-obesity too (Who doesn’t need a slimmer waistline? Seriously!) (3)
A pot of red lentil soup and lemon slices on the side

How to Prepare lentils for cooking?

A- Spread them out on a tray and discard any tiny rocks (Unfortunately, most brands on the market have rocks in them, and that’s why it’s essential to pick out those rocks before cooking)

B- There is no need to soak lentils in water before cooking because they are small and usually cook fast. Rinse off with water to remove any excess impurities, then drain.  

C- The ratio of lentils to water is (1:5); 1 cup of dry lentils usually takes 5 cups of water to cook. Lentils absorb water quickly and almost double in size when cooked.

Red Lentil Soup Ingredients:

A bowl of red lentils, half an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, a tomato, a potato, baby carrots, a bowl of spices, a bowl of canola oil and a measuring cup full of water
  • Lentils: I prefer using red lentils for this recipe, because they dissolve as they cook giving the soup a naturally creamy texture!
  • Onions and garlic: Adds nutrients and flavors.
  • Carrots, Potatoes, and Tomatoes:  Adds texture, color, and sweetness.
  • Turmeric: Gives the soup it’s yellow color and has a lot of health benefits too!
  • Cumin: Adds an earthy flavor which greatly enhance the taste
  • Sea salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Water: I prefer using water instead of broth because water retains the natural and fresh taste of the ingredients and spices, but you can add your favorite broth if you want!
  • Oil: Canola or vegetable oil to sauté the veggies.
  • Pinch of chili flakes: Optional but recommended if you enjoy a nice kick but be careful not to put too much!

How to Cook Red Lentil Soup?

A large pot with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, onions, garlic, lentils and spices
  1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions and garlic then cook until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes and sauté the veggies for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the drained red lentils and spices and stir for 2 minutes.
  5.  Pour the water, increase the heat-to high and bring to boil.
  6. Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes, carrots, and lentils are tender and easy to blend.
  7. Remove from heat then using a food processor or an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy and smooth.
  8. Add back to the pot and bring it to boil. (If the soup thickens after blending add 1/2 a cup of water)
  9. Serve with lemon slices and chili flakes (optional).
A bowl of red lentil soup with some chili flakes on top and lemon slices on the side

Cooking Tips:

  1. If you are using a countertop blender, make sure to puree a small batch and tighten the lid loosely (or remove the center cap from the lid); because the steam will create pressure which might cause a soup explosion in your kitchen ?. I would suggest covering the top with a dishtowel while grinding.
  2. To get a nice and creamy texture, make sure the lentils and the vegetables (especially the potatoes and carrots) are fully cooked and mashed. If they are undercooked, they will not blend properly, and the soup will not be as creamy.
  3. If the soup thickens after blending add 1/2 a cup of water.
  4. A squeeze of Fresh lemon juice will brighten all the flavors and brings this soup to life ?
A bowl of red lentil soup with some chili flakes on top and lemon slices on the side

How to Store and Freeze Red Lentil Soup?

Storage: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days

Reheat: Rewarm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. You might need to add a little water when reheating because this soup recipe tends to thicken when refrigerated.

Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. As mentioned above, add a little bit of water when reheating from frozen because this soup recipe tends to thicken when refrigerated.

Check Out More Soup Recipes:

Creamy Tomato Soup

Egyptian Style Orzo Soup

Easy Creamy Mushroom Soup

Meatball Vermicelli Soup

Mediterranean Red Lentil Soup

5 from 4 votes
Recipe by Raneem Course: SoupCuisine: EgyptianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

181

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

This delicious and easy-to-make lentil soup is full of flavors and can be a healthy dinner vegan entree or just a tasty starter for a wholesome winter meal!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 1 Red Lentils

  • 1 Tablespoon 1 Canola or Vegetable Oil

  • 1 medium 1 Onion, Diced

  • 2 cloves 2 Garlic, Diced

  • 1 1 Carrot, Peeled and Diced (or 1/4 cup baby carrots)

  • 1 medium 1 Potato, Peeled and Diced

  • 1 medium 1 Tomato, Diced

  • 5 cups 5 Water

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon 1 1/2 Sea Salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Black Pepper

  • 2 teaspoons 2 Ground Cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Turmeric

  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 seven spices or all spice

  • Red Chili flakes (optional)

  • Lemon Slices (to Serve)

Directions

  • In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and garlic, then cook until soft and fragrant.
  • Add the carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes and sauté the veggies for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the drained red lentils and spices and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Pour the water, increase the heat to high and bring to boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes, carrots, and lentils are tender and easy to blend.
  • Remove from heat, then using a food processor or an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy and smooth.
  • Add back to the pot and bring it to boil. (If the soup thickens after blending, add 1/2 a cup of water)
  • Serve with lemon slices and chili flakes (optional).

Recipe Video

Notes

  • If you are using a countertop blender, make sure to puree a small batch and tighten the lid loosely (or remove the center cap from the lid); because the steam will create pressure which might cause a soup explosion in your kitchen ?. I would suggest covering the top with a dishtowel while grinding.
  • To get a nice and creamy texture, make sure the lentils and the vegetables (especially the potatoes and carrots) are fully cooked and mashed. If they are undercooked, they will not blend properly, and the soup will not be as creamy.
  • If the soup thickens after blending add 1/2 a cup of water.
  • A squeeze of Fresh lemon juice will brighten all the flavors and brings this soup to life.

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2 Comments

  1. Hi there. I just returned home from visiting Egypt and Jordan. I want to try and make some of your recipes which seem similar to a lot of the dishes I had while there. The broth in the soups was so flavorful in those countries. Do you think I should use store bought stock or how do you think they made homemade stock so flavorful in their authentic recipes there? Thank you!

    • Hey Erin! Welcome back I hope you enjoyed your trip. I love both Egypt and Jordan!

      If you don’t have time, you can get store-bought stock from your local middle eastern grocery store!

      But if you want to take your broth to the next level, you can make your own stock; it is very easy to make! In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of oil or ghee, then sear your choice of meat; add one onion, celery, and carrot (cut into halves) and sear it with the meat for 5 minutes. Then add three bay leaves and three cardamom pods, and season it with salt, black pepper, seven spices (or allspice), and bouillon. Then cover with hot water, cover, and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours, and it is ready 🙂 (if you want vegetable stock take off the meat).

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