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Amazing Red Lentil and Tomato Soup

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 2 tsp. garam masala
  • 2 quarts chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 1/2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 medium ribs celery, diced small
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced small
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt to taste
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Amazing Red Lentil and Tomato Soup

Time: 10 minutes prep, 45 minutes cook
Servings: 8
 

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a 6-quart (or larger) Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and just starting to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garam masala and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 45 seconds.
  2. Add the broth, tomatoes and their juices, lentils, celery, carrot, garlic, cayenne, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to keep the lentils from sticking; skim any foam as necessary.
  3. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally,
  4. until the lentils, carrots, and celery are tender, 35 to 40 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It only gets better!
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Summary

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6 votes | 5805 views

I never thought I would have a red lentil soup that could match the Turkish red lentil soup that I have been served in Turkish restaurants and that I've learned to make. So I had low expectations for this Indian spiced version. It completely destroyed my expectations and was absolutely delicious. It was great last night, and I had two more bowls today (for lunch and dinner) which were equally good if not better. This soup is sweet, spicy, healthy, warm, unusual...all in all amazing. Give it a try and I guarantee you won't be sorry! (Adapted from the Best of Fine Cooking magazine)

Reviews

  • Nancy Miyasaki
    November 17, 2011
    I actually liked this even better than John's Turkish red lentil soup recipe. It's a bit lighter and a bit spicier. If you've never had a red lentil soup, it's a little like French Onion Soup or Thai Tom Ka Gai: you just have to try it to believe it. Wonderful!
    I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
    • Elaine
      November 29, 2011
      I just made this for dinner and it was great. We had it with home made Whole Wheat Irish bread.
      I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
      1 reply
      • John Spottiswood
        November 29, 2011
        Glad you enjoyed it Elaine! Thanks for the thoughtful review and side suggestion.
      • Phyllis Smith
        December 3, 2011
        John, the Red Lentil Soup was yummy and comforting on a blustery day! Delicious
        I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
        1 reply
        • John Spottiswood
          December 6, 2011
          So glad you enjoyed it Phyllis. Thanks for taking the time to review it!

        Comments

        • Elaine
          February 22, 2017
          This soup is wonderful. So easy to make and such a fantastic taste.
          • judee
            November 29, 2011
            We love red lentils, and the spices look interesting. I'll be trying this soup real soon. Looks nice and hearty for the winter.
            1 reply
          • Phyllis Smith
            November 21, 2011
            This is bubbling on my stove right now, made with vegetable broth and smelling splendid! Can't wait.
            1 reply
            • Nancy Miyasaki
              November 22, 2011
              I hope you enjoy it Phyllis! Please add a rating/review after you've tried it.
            • Katie Zeller
              November 18, 2011
              This caught my eye immediately. I made a mixed lentil soup last week - this is next.
              1 reply
              • Nancy Miyasaki
                November 22, 2011
                Hope you enjoy it Katie. It's remarkably good!