Smoky Lentil and Roasted Pepper (Printable Version)
Hearty blend of smoky lentils and roasted peppers in a rich, spiced broth. Perfect warming meal for cold weather.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentils & Beans
01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and chopped
04 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
05 - 2 medium carrots, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 5 cups vegetable broth
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
15 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
# How To Make:
01 - Roast the bell peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until charred. Place in a bowl, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds, and chop.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5-6 minutes until softened.
03 - Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and chili flakes (if using). Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in the lentils, roasted peppers, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
06 - Season with salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in lemon juice and half the parsley. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with remaining parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way smoky paprika mingles with sweet roasted peppers creates this incredibly rich depth that makes people think you spent all day cooking
- Its one of those rare soups that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for batch cooking and lazy lunches
02 -
- Dont rush the pepper roasting step, that charred flavor is what makes this soup taste like it came from a restaurant kitchen
- The lemon juice at the end might seem strange, but it cuts through the richness and makes all the flavors pop in a way salt alone cannot achieve
03 -
- A dash of liquid smoke or using fire-roasted canned tomatoes takes the smoky flavor to another level without extra work
- If you want extra protein, serve this over cooked rice or with a side of crusty bread for a completely satisfying meal