Red lentil soup: A simple recipe packed with warm spices and root vegetables

There’s nothing like a bowl of soul-warming soup to break your fast with during Ramadan, and this recipe is one of my absolute favourites. Not only is it nutritious and comforting, but it’s also perfect to prepare when you’re low on energy because it takes just a few minutes of prep, then your pot does the rest of the work for you. Simply combine vegetables with warm spices and red lentils, cook them until soft, then blend for a smooth consistency, if desired. Top with crispy pita strips and a squeeze of lemon for a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with texture and flavour.

Ingredients

• 7 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 small yellow onions, diced
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 small yellow potato, diced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to garnish, if desired
• 2 cups red split lentils, rinsed and drained
• 8 cups water
• ½ an 8-inch pita, cut into thin strips, to garnish (optional)
• Red chili flakes, to garnish (optional)
• Lemon juice, to garnish (optional)

Preparation

Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and ½ teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the carrots and potato, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 more minutes.

Add the cumin, turmeric, black pepper and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt, stir to combine and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes. Add the lentils and water, stir to combine and bring everything to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes to prevent the lentils from sticking.

Meanwhile, if desired, prepare the crispy pita strips. Place a small skillet over medium heat and add the pita and the remaining 3 tbsp of oil. Fry, stirring continuously, until the pita is brown and toasted, about 4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. 

Once the lentils are soft and broken down, if desired, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a smooth consistency. 

Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper and water to your liking.

Portion out the soup and garnish with crispy pita strips, chili flakes, more black pepper and lemon juice, if desired.

Serves 6

Produced in collaboration with CBC Creator Network.