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–+ servings

Simple Red Lentil Soup with North African Spices One Pot Recipe

This one-pot red lentil soup blends smooth, creamy lentils with fragrant North African spices for a comforting and flavorful dish.
The recipe features simple ingredients and a streamlined process, perfect for an easy yet aromatic meal.
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Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine North African
Servings 4 to 6 people

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for serving
  • 1 large onion chopped fine
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth plus extra as needed
  • 2 cups water
  • 10 1/2 ounces 1 1/2 cups red lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and salt, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in coriander, cumin, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add tomato paste and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Stir in broth, water, and lentils, bringing to a vigorous simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and about half have broken down, approximately 15 minutes.
  • Whisk the soup vigorously until it forms a coarse puree, about 30 seconds. Adjust the consistency with extra hot broth, as needed. Stir in lemon juice, and season with additional salt and lemon juice to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and additional lemon juice if desired.
Keyword Creamy lentil soup, Easy red lentil soup, North African soup spices, One pot lentil soup recipe, Simple lentil soup recipe
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