Delicious and Comforting Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Delicious Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

This Delicious and Comforting Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup is a hearty, filling, vegan soup. Soups packed with veggies are budget-friendly and is an ideal way to boost the whole family’s health. Soups are also the tastiest and most nourishing things you can make as a quick midweek meal.

This delicious soup is thick and rich and creamy. The carrots, tomatoes, and lentils complement each other well and the cilantro and chili flakes give it just the right kicked-up flavor.

Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, iron and folate.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 c. split red lentils
• 1 qt. hot vegetable stock, divided
• 2 T. Olive oil
• 1 Pinch Chili flakes
• 1 lb. Carrots, washed well and coarsely sliced
• 1 medium onion, rough chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1/2 c. milk
• 4-5 branches cilantro, chopped, to taste

To Serve:

• Greek yogurt or sour cream, to taste
• Crusty bread or warm naan
• Cilantro to garnish

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, add just enough warm vegetable stock to cover lentils to begin to soften.

2. Heat stock pot over medium heat. Add chili flakes and let cook for 1 minute to release their oil.

3. Add olive oil, onion and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add tomatoes, lentils, and remaining stock. Simmer 10-12 minutes or until carrots are tender.

5. Add milk and bring just to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until lentils and vegetables are fully cooked.

6. Add cilantro.

7. For a smooth texture blend with an immersion blender (like this one).

8. Adjust seasonings and finish with yogurt or sour cream, garnish with cilantro and enjoy with warm bread.

Tip: Organic carrots are recommended in this recipe. Wash carrots well and leave the skin on to maintain nutrients that would otherwise be lost.