Roasted Carrot Red Lentil Soup (Printable Version)
A velvety blend of roasted carrots and red lentils with warming spices and coconut milk.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
→ Legumes
06 - 3/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
→ Liquids
07 - 4 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 cup canned coconut milk
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
16 - Crushed red pepper flakes
17 - Fresh lemon juice
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Toss carrot pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
03 - Heat remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
04 - Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
06 - Add roasted carrots, rinsed lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft.
07 - Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 2 minutes.
08 - Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to puree until smooth and creamy. Add more broth for thinner texture if desired.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that balances the warm spices perfectly.
- Red lentils dissolve into silky creaminess without any heavy dairy.
- It reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
02 -
- The soup will thicken considerably as it cools, so add extra broth when reheating.
- Always taste after blending because the flavors shift once the texture changes.
03 -
- Do not skip roasting the carrots because that caramelization is what makes this soup special.
- Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear to remove any grit or bitter taste.