Vegan Lemon Lentil Soup with Turmeric

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Turmeric Lentil Soup is the ultimate healthy comfort food! Packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh lemon, and anti-inflammatory turmeric, it’s savory, satisfying, and full of nourishing ingredients. The bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to the soup, making it a perfect meal for any time of year. Plus, it’s easy to make and full of flavor, whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (340g) brown or green lentils, picked and rinsed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cups finely chopped onion (1 medium onion)

• 1 ½ cups chopped carrot (2 large carrots)

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (3 cloves)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

• 2 heaping cups shredded kale or spinach

• 1 to 2 lemons

• ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill), optional

• Fine sea salt, to taste

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Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot (Dutch oven works best) over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and sweet-smelling, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Spices:
   Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.

3. Cook the Lentils:
   Stir in the rinsed lentils and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Taste the broth, then adjust the salt to taste (adding between ½ to 1 teaspoon depending on your broth’s saltiness).

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, partially covered, for about 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

5. Add Greens:
   Uncover the pot, stir in the kale or spinach, and cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.

6. Finish with Lemon and Herbs:
   Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon along with the fresh herbs. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.

7. Optional Blending:
   If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency. For even more lemony flavor, serve with a few lemon slices on the side.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

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Variations

• Meat Option: For a heartier soup, you can cook sausage or ham with the onions and carrots before adding the broth.

• Spices: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or curry powder for extra depth.

• Greens: Feel free to swap out the kale or spinach for other greens such as Swiss chard or arugula.

• Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegan option, or add a dash of coconut milk for a creamier texture.

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Storage/Reheating

• Storing: Lentil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to several months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and warm up on the stove with a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency.

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FAQs

1. Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green?
Yes! Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, so the soup will have a thicker consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, red lentils are a great option.

2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors intensify the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time. It’s even better after a day or two in the fridge!

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

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, potatoes, or bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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Conclusion

This Lemon Turmeric Lentil Soup is a flavorful, nourishing dish that combines hearty lentils, fresh vegetables, and bright lemon to create a satisfying, comforting meal. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezes well, and offers tons of flexibility in terms of ingredients and flavors. Whether you enjoy it blended or with texture, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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