This Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup is both refreshing and hearty! Made with green lentils, bright lemon juice, and a touch of turmeric for a golden twist, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
I love how this soup warms me up on a chilly day! Plus, it’s super easy to whip together. Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and enjoy a cozy bowl of goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Red Lentils: These cook quickly and break down nicely, creating a creamy soup. If you can’t find red lentils, try yellow lentils instead. They will work well but may take a bit longer to soften.
Carrot: The carrot adds sweetness and color. You could use sweet potatoes or butternut squash as a substitute for a similar flavor profile. If you want something different, try adding chopped celery for a twist!
Onion & Garlic: They form the base flavor of the soup. If you’re in a pinch, use onion powder for onion and garlic powder for fresh garlic, but fresh is always best for maximum flavor.
Spices: Turmeric and cumin bring warmth and depth. If you don’t have cumin, coriander can be a good substitute. Just keep in mind it has a different flavor, but it will still taste great!
Lemon Juice: This is the star for balancing flavors. If you don’t have a fresh lemon, a tablespoon of lemon juice concentrate will do, but fresh juice provides a brighter taste.
How Do You Successfully Sauté Aromatics?
Sautéing the onion and garlic is key to building flavor. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. If it burns, it will taste bitter.
- Once the onions turn translucent (about 3-4 minutes), it’s time to add the carrots and spices. This helps release the essential oils.
- Don’t rush! Giving the spices time to toast (around 2 minutes) helps their flavors to really develop. It’s worth the wait!
With these tips and substitutes, you’ll have a delicious vegan lemon lentil soup ready to warm you up. Happy cooking!
How to Make Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup With Turmeric
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll need approximately 40 minutes in total to enjoy this bright and flavorful vegan meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add the Vegetables and Spices:
Now it’s time to add the sliced carrots, ground turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, and chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir everything together, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This will toast the spices and make the soup even more aromatic.
3. Mix in the Lentils:
Next, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot. Give everything a good stir so the lentils are fully coated with the flavors from the spices and vegetables.
4. Bring to a Boil:
Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Turn up the heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Keep the pot uncovered and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the lentils and carrots to be tender and for the soup to thicken up nicely.
6. Add Lemon and Season:
Once the soup is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and add salt to taste. If you want more zing, feel free to add extra lemon juice or salt as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and add some lemon slices for a beautiful touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, and don’t forget to offer extra lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants a bit more tanginess. Enjoy your wholesome and comforting vegan lemon lentil soup with turmeric!
Can I Use Different Types of Lentils?
While red lentils are best for this recipe since they cook quickly and break down for a creamy texture, you can use yellow lentils as a substitute. Just be aware that they may take a bit longer to cook until tender.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it thickens too much, just add a little water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy heat, you can add more chili flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a different flavor profile, try incorporating a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce while simmering.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of vegan yogurt or avocado slices on top for creaminess.
