Description
A rich and earthy Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup made with slow-cooked onions, hearty red lentils, and aromatic spices a nourishing and deeply flavorful bowl of comfort perfect for any season.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup red lentils, rinsed
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt; cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric; stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
5. Add red lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth; stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, until lentils are soft and the soup thickens.
7. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture (optional).
8. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, deglaze caramelized onions with a splash of balsamic vinegar before adding broth.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat.
This soup thickens as it cools — add water or broth when reheating to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: caramelized onion soup, red lentil soup, vegetarian soup, healthy lentil stew, comfort food