Delicious Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon Recipe

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of lentil soup with cumin and lemon that can instantly lift your spirits. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as you simmer a pot filled with earthy lentils and zesty lemon. It’s like a hug in a bowl—comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious.

This recipe evokes memories of chilly evenings wrapped up on the couch, spoon in hand, while laughter fills the air. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in, this dish has become a staple for warming hearts and bellies alike.

My friends can always count on me to whip up this lentil delight whenever they come over. Their reactions? Pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lentils: I recommend green or brown lentils for their robust texture and ability to hold shape while cooking.
• Onion: Use a medium onion; it adds sweetness once caramelized beautifully in the pot.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they provide depth and aromatic goodness that elevates the entire dish.
• Cumin Seeds: Toasted just right, these seeds bring out an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with lentils.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vital for that zesty kick; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
• Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still infusing amazing flavor into the soup.
• Spinach or Kale: Adding greens at the end gives the soup a pop of color and essential nutrients.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances flavor and brings everything together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing your lentils under cold water until they’re clear. Chop your onion and mince your garlic; have them ready for sautéing magic.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion first. Sauté until translucent—about 5 minutes—then add minced garlic until fragrant.

Add Lentils & Spices: Toss in your rinsed lentils along with toasted cumin seeds. Stir well for about 1 minute so those spices release their full potential.

Pour in Broth & Simmer Away!: Pour vegetable broth into the pot; bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low; cover partially so steam can escape while letting it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Add Greens & Lemon Juice Last: Once the lentils are tender but not mushy, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted. Remove from heat before adding freshly squeezed lemon juice for that zesty touch!

Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle your hearty soup into bowls; feel free to drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy!

And there you have it—a delightful bowl of lentil soup with cumin and lemon that not only warms you up but also tickles your taste buds! Enjoy every spoonful as you reminisce about cozy moments shared over good food.

This recipe is simple yet bursting with flavors that leave an impression long after the last bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add spices before the lentils for maximum flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with additional veggies like spinach or carrots, or swap in different herbs for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Sharing a bowl of this soup on chilly evenings always brings my family together. The laughter and warmth around the table make every spoonful even more delightful.

FAQ

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Yes, just soak them overnight and adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I serve with lentil soup?

Crusty bread or a fresh salad pair perfectly with this soup.

How do I make this lentil soup vegan?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegan option.

Print

Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lentil Soup with Cumin and Lemon is a warming dish that combines hearty lentils with zesty lemon and aromatic cumin, perfect for cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water until clear. Chop onion and mince garlic.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in lentils and cumin seeds for about 1 minute to enhance flavors.
4. Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
5. Add spinach or kale until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Serve warm, garnished with extra olive oil or herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Experiment with additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage.