Sunshine Carrot Red Lentil Soup a Bowl of Warmth

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, this carrot lentil soup is just that. It's packed with flavour and goodness.

Based on the "carrot lentil soup" recipe description, even I get excited about making it again.

Brief Overview

Our Sunshine carrot lentil soup is inspired by hearty British traditions. This easy lentil soup is a doddle to make. It takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves six.

Main Benefits

Okay, right, let's get this sorted: This healthy lentil soup recipes is vegan and full of nutrients. It is perfect for a comforting midweek meal.

It's special because it's simple, flavourful, and good for you. Now, let's talk ingredients.

Why You'll Love This Soup

This vegan carrot lentil soup is a real winner. Seriously, this red lentil soup recipe is delicious. The sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the lentils work so well together.

Plus, the ginger adds a lovely warmth. I swear, a little bit of ginger, just brings the flavours to life.

This Sunshine Carrot Soup is proper good. You can even sneak in extra veggies. It makes it an even healthier vegetable lentil soup .

I remember when my little niece didn't eat anything other than chicken nuggets. Once I got her to try this carrot and lentil soup , and she cleared her bowl.

Key Ingredients: What You'll Need

You’ll need olive oil, onion, garlic, and ginger. Of course, you can't forget the carrots and red lentils . Then you will also need cumin, coriander, turmeric, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Fresh coriander or parsley is nice for garnish too.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Sorted!

Okay, right, let's get this sorted. We're diving into the heart of this Sunshine Carrot & Red Lentil Soup . Don't worry, it's dead easy.

This carrot lentil soup is all about simple ingredients, done right.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Here's the shopping list. I've included both US and metric because, well, why not?

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
• Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup/150g) , chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves (about 2 teaspoons/6g) , minced.
• Ginger: 1 inch (about 1 tablespoon/15g) , peeled and grated.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) , ground.
• Coriander: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) , ground.
• Turmeric: ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) .
• Carrots: 1 pound (about 4 cups/450g) , peeled and chopped. Get good looking carrots!
• Red lentils: 1 cup (200g) , rinsed. Red lentils are best as they cook down nicely.
• Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) .
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) , or to taste.
• Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) , or to taste.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Fresh is better!
• Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional).
• Crème fraîche or coconut milk for garnish (optional).

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

This vegan carrot lentil soup gets its warmth from cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The ginger gives it a zing. Honestly, don't skip the ginger!

If you are feeling adventurous, add some smoked paprika. This will give it a British lentil soup touch. For a curried lentil soup vibe, throw in some curry powder.

If you don't have ground coriander, a dash of ground cumin works. It's all about experimenting! I love adding a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of a kick.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this easy lentil soup .

• A large pot or Dutch oven.
• Cutting board and knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• An immersion blender or regular blender (optional).

Don't have an immersion blender? No worries. A regular blender will do the job. Just be careful when blending hot liquids!

The result is a comforting bowl of sunshine: Sunshine Carrot Soup . It makes this recipe a healthy addition to the weekly menu! Enjoy the soup.

Cooking Method: Sautéing for Sunshine Carrot & Red Lentil Soup

Okay, right, let's get this sorted. Sautéing is your best friend when it comes to building flavour. It's where the magic begins for our carrot lentil soup .

It's a basic skill, but crucial for a red lentil soup recipe that sings. Honestly, if you can sauté, you can make this soup.

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Lowdown

Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Grate your ginger. Peel and chop your carrots.

Rinse your red lentils. All of it ready to go. Time saving tip? Chop extra onions and carrots in advance and freeze them.

Safety first: Keep those knives sharp. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, believe it or not.

step-by-step Sautéing Process

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add your 1 chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
3. Chuck in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger . Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute . The smell should be amazing!
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin , ½ teaspoon coriander , and ¼ teaspoon turmeric . Cook for 30 seconds , stirring constantly. You want to wake those spices up.
5. Now, for the 1 pound chopped carrots and 1 cup rinsed red lentils . Toss them in and stir.

Visual cue? Your onions should be translucent before adding the garlic and ginger. That fragrant smell? That's your cue for the spices.

Pro Tips for Next Level Sautéing

Pro tip number one: don't overcrowd the pan. It’ll steam instead of sauté. Cook in batches if you have to.

Common mistake? Burning the garlic. Keep the heat medium and keep it moving.

I once burned a whole batch of garlic. The lentil soup with ginger tasted like charcoal! A real "uh oh" moment.

make-ahead option? You can sauté the aromatics and carrots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two.

This trick allows you to make the easy lentil soup even faster, saving precious time and getting your sunshine carrot soup on the table with minimal fuss.

Recipe Notes for a Blindingly Good Carrot Lentil Soup

Right then, let's get this sorted. You've got the recipe for our Sunshine Carrot & Red Lentil Soup, and it's a proper belter.

Now, a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's perfect . 'Cause nobody wants a dodgy soup, do they?

Plating Perfection: Serving Suggestions

Okay, so you've made a smashing pot of carrot lentil soup . But how do you make it look the part? First, a fancy swirl of crème fraîche (or coconut milk if you're keeping it vegan carrot lentil soup ).

Honestly, it just elevates the whole thing.

Then, think about texture. Some chopped fresh coriander or parsley adds a pop of freshness. And for a bit of crunch? Toasted pumpkin seeds are your best mate.

Serve it with a hunk of crusty bread for dunking. It's the proper way to do it.

Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips

So, you've got leftovers. Champion! This easy lentil soup keeps well. Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container and it'll be fine in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! It will last up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it properly before reheating.

Reheating is a doddle. Gently heat it on the hob (that's stovetop, for our overseas pals), or zap it in the microwave. Just make sure it's piping hot before serving.

Mix It Up: Variations

Based on the carrot lentil soup recipe, want to tweak it a bit? Easy peasy. For a curried lentil soup twist, add a tablespoon or two of curry powder while you're sautéing the spices.

If you're after a healthy lentil soup recipes , try swapping the crème fraîche for a dollop of Greek yogurt.

And if you’re feeling seasonal, try swapping some carrots with butternut squash in the autumn. Blimey!

Goodness in a Bowl: Nutrition Basics

This carrot and lentil soup isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. It’s packed with fibre from the lentils and vitamins from the carrots.

Plus, it's a great source of protein. Each serving comes in at roughly 220 calories, 12g of protein, and a whopping 10g of fiber.

A delicious and filling meal!.

Now then, go on, give it a go! Honestly, this red lentil soup recipe is a winner. And who knows? Maybe you'll create your own signature twist. Happy cooking, you lot!