Description
This bold and flavorful soup combines the sweetness of carrots with the earthiness of lentils, the nuttiness of tahini, and a hint of heat from cayenne. It’s a nutrient-dense, satisfying bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings. #vegan soup recipes
Ingredients
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Vegetables: Stir in carrots, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne. Cook for 5 minutes, letting the spices toast and release their aroma.
- Simmer with Lentils and Stock: Add lentils, vegetable stock, and tahini. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the carrots and lentils are tender.
- Blend and Season: Puree the soup with an immersion blender until it’s smooth. Stir in sesame oil, season with salt and pepper, and adjust the spice level as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
Balance the Heat: Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less chili paste or red pepper flakes. For a milder version, omit these entirely and rely on the carrots’ natural sweetness.
Toast the Sesame: Toast the seeds lightly before blending or garnishing to enhance their nutty flavor. This small step can elevate the dish significantly.
Blending Tips: For the smoothest consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a high-speed blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
Customize the Texture: For a chunkier soup, blend only half and leave some of the lentils and carrots intact for added texture.
Garnish with Flair: A drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or scallions add freshness and depth. Crushed peanuts or crispy chickpeas also make excellent toppings for crunch.
Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
Serve with Complements: To make this soup a satisfying, complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side of steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Vegan Soups
- Method: Simmer and Blend
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 9g (from carrots and natural sources)
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg