Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup (Print)
Rich vegetarian soup with caramelized onions, red lentils, and aromatic spices for a comforting meal.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 1 stalk celery, diced
→ Lentils & Staples
05 - 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
06 - 6 cups vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt, to taste
→ Garnish
14 - Chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
03 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until lentils and vegetables are completely tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf and discard. Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup according to your preferred consistency.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The caramelized onions create a depth of flavor that makes people think you simmered this all day
- Red lentils break down naturally, giving the soup a luxurious creamy texture without any dairy
02 -
- The soup will continue to thicken as it sits because lentils keep absorbing liquid
- If reheating the next day, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency
03 -
- Start the onions while you prep the other vegetables to maximize your time
- Double the recipe and freeze portions for those nights when cooking feels impossible