Description
Caramelized Onion Red Lentil Soup is a cozy plant-based meal packed with protein-rich red lentils, sweet caramelized onions, carrots, tomatoes, and warming spices. Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 large onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
6 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 carrots, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in pot.
2. Add onions and cook 15–20 minutes until caramelized.
3. Stir in garlic and spices; cook 1–2 minutes.
4. Add carrots and cook 5 minutes.
5. Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes; bring to boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
7. Blend if desired.
8. Stir in salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
9. Serve hot with garnish.
Notes
Do not rush caramelizing onions.
Soup thickens as it cools.
Freezes well up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired