One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that is both nutritious and filling. This soup is perfect for busy days when you want something warm and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is packed with vitamins from the carrots and protein from the lentils. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup afterward!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup red lentils (rinsed)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)
• A drizzle of coconut milk or croutons (optional for serving)

Directions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the carrots and lentils: Stir in the diced carrots, rinsed lentils, and spices (cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika). Cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
3. Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the carrots and lentils are soft, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
5. Finish with cream: Stir in the coconut milk for a rich, velvety finish. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice according to your taste.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley. If you like, drizzle some extra coconut milk on top or add croutons for a nice crunch. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while the soup simmers; just remember to take it out before blending!
• For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth you use.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables like peas, spinach, or sweet potatoes. Feel free to experiment with different spices, too!

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils?
Yes, you can use green or brown lentils, but the cooking time will be longer, and the texture will be different. Red lentils break down more easily and create a creamier soup.

Can I use other plant-based milks instead of coconut milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. However, this may change the flavor and creaminess of the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth.

Enjoy your cooking!