Red Lentil Soup is a warm and comforting soup that is perfect for chilly days or for a healthy and filling meal. The soup is made with red lentils, vegetables, and spices, and can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
What To Serve With Red Lentil Soup
Red lentil soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other foods to make a more complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with red lentil soup:
Bread: Freshly baked bread, such as crusty sourdough, naan, or pita, is the perfect accompaniment to red lentil soup. You can also try serving it with crackers or breadsticks.
Salad: A side salad can provide some crunch and freshness to balance out the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-inspired salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese.
Grilled cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and satisfying addition to a bowl of soup. You can use any type of bread and cheese that you like, but hearty whole-grain bread and sharp cheddar cheese are always good choices.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts, make a great side dish for red lentil soup. They add a bit of sweetness and texture to the meal.
Yogurt or sour cream: A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top of the soup can add creaminess and tanginess. You can also sprinkle some chopped herbs or spices, such as cilantro or paprika, on top for added flavor.
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making Red Lentil Soup:
Add other vegetables: While carrots and celery are traditional additions to Red Lentil Soup, you can also add other vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash to give the soup some extra flavor and texture.
Use different spices: While cumin and coriander are classic spices for Red Lentil Soup, you can experiment with other spices such as turmeric, paprika, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Use a slow cooker: Red Lentil Soup can be made in a slow cooker for an easy and hands-off cooking experience. Simply add all the constituents to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours.
Blend the soup for a smoother texture: For a creamier and smoother soup, blend the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired texture.
Add protein: For a more substantial soup, add cooked diced chicken or tofu, or serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Make it vegetarian or vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit any animal products for a vegetarian or vegan version of Red Lentil Soup.
Enjoy your delicious and versatile Red Lentil Soup!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch roaster, toast the olive oil painting over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 5 twinkles.
Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the red lentils, broth, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir Sometimes to help the haze from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Red Lentil Soup!