Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

🌿 Warm, comforting, protein-packed – a bowl full of love.

There’s something magical about the first spoonful of lentil soup – it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I tried this recipe.

I was craving something simple, yet nourishing, and I had a handful of pantry staples on hand.

The result? A beautifully spiced, creamy, and vibrant red lentil soup that exceeded all my expectations.

Since that day, it’s been a staple in my kitchen – whether I’m serving it with warm rice, crusty bread, or simply enjoying it as-is. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home.

🛠 Tools Table

Tool	Purpose	Where to Buy
Heavy-bottom pot	For cooking lentils and base	Any kitchen store or online
Small frying pan	For preparing the tadka (tempering)	Supermarkets, Amazon
Fine mesh strainer	For washing and draining lentils	Home goods stores, Target

⏱ Prep & Cook Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Soaking Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

Main Soup Base:

• Red lentils – 1½ cups (300g)
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp (approx. 30g)
• Red onion – 1 medium, chopped (250g)
• Ginger – 1 tbsp, finely chopped (15g)
• Garlic – 1 tbsp, minced (15g)
• Hot peppers – to taste
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp (2g)
• Chili powder – 1 tsp (2g)
• Turmeric powder – 1 tsp (2g)
• Tomatoes – 3 medium, chopped (350g)
• Salt – 1 tsp or to taste (5g)
• Fresh coriander leaves – ¼ cup, chopped (10g)

Tadka (Tempering):

• Butter – 3 tbsp (45g)
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced (10g)
• Cumin seeds – 1 tbsp (6g)
• Dried chili peppers – to taste
• Paprika or chili powder – 1 tsp (2g)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Wash and Soak the Lentils

Rinse the red lentils under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Soak in a bowl of water for 20 minutes while prepping the other ingredients.

2. Sauté the Base

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden and caramelized.

3. Add Aromatics and Spices

Toss in chopped ginger and garlic. Stir for a minute until fragrant. Add hot peppers (to taste), followed by coriander powder, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir to coat the onions with the spices.

4. Cook Tomatoes

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and become saucy — about 7–8 minutes.

5. Add Lentils

Drain the soaked lentils and stir them into the mixture. Coat well with the spiced tomato-onion base.

6. Simmer the Soup

Pour in enough hot water to submerge the lentils (about 4–5 cups). Simmer uncovered on medium-low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if it becomes too thick.

7. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)

In a small frying pan, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, cumin seeds, dried chili, and paprika. Stir gently for 2 minutes over low heat until aromatic and the garlic is golden.

8. Finish and Serve

Pour the tadka over the cooked lentils. Stir well to combine. Top with fresh chopped coriander. Serve warm with rice, roti, or crusty bread.

🧊 Food Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen the texture.

💡 Pro Tips

• Make it creamy: Add a splash of coconut milk or cream for extra richness.
• Protein boost: Add cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken for more body.
• Heat level: Control spice by adjusting hot pepper and chili powder amounts.
• Texture: Blend part of the soup for a smoother consistency.
• Meal prep: This soup tastes better the next day — perfect for batch cooking.

🥗 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1½ cups)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	290 kcal
Protein	15g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	12g
Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	5g
Sodium	420mg
Iron	4mg
Vitamin A	28% DV
Vitamin C	22% DV

❓ FAQs

1. Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?
Yes, but note they take longer to cook and have a firmer texture.

2. Is this soup spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount of hot pepper and chili powder you use. You can tone it down or omit entirely.

3. Can I skip the tadka?
Yes, but it adds incredible depth of flavor. You can use less butter if watching fat intake.

4. How do I make this oil-free?
Sauté the base ingredients in water or vegetable broth, and skip or modify the tadka with minimal oil or dry-toast the spices.

5. What should I serve it with?
It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, flatbread, garlic naan, or simply a wedge of lemon and fresh herbs on top.

💬 Final Thoughts

Lentil soup may seem humble, but when layered with warm spices, fresh herbs, and that aromatic tadka – it becomes something extraordinary.

It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, fills your kitchen with comfort, and leaves you nourished from the inside out. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this easy lentil soup recipe is a must-try.

So next time you’re craving something hearty yet healthy – let your lentils do the magic. 💛