Description
This Lemon Turmeric Lentil Soup is a wholesome, cozy, and nutrient-rich dish featuring earthy lentils, fresh lemon, and anti-inflammatory turmeric. It’s perfect for healthy comfort food lovers and makes a nourishing meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (340g) brown or green lentils, picked and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups finely chopped onion (1 medium onion)
- 1 ½ cups chopped carrot (2 large carrots)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 heaping cups shredded kale or spinach
- 1 to 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill (optional)
- Fine sea salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Add lentils and broth. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Taste the broth and season with salt as needed.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until lentils are tender, about 35–40 minutes.
5. Uncover and stir in kale or spinach. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes until greens are wilted.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and/or more lemon juice as desired.
7. Serve hot, optionally blended with an immersion blender for a smoother texture, and garnish with lemon slices for added brightness.
Notes
Storing: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen beautifully over time.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If lentils absorb too much liquid, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to restore consistency.
For extra richness, you can add sausage or diced ham when cooking the onions and carrots.
Serve with crusty bread and lemon wedges for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 5.2g
- Sodium: 1155.9mg
- Fat: 5.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45.3g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 19.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg