Tuesday 10 April 2012

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup


Isn’t it amazing how, sometimes, a very few ingredients combined can come together to make something much greater than the sum of its parts?  This soup is like that:  Ridiculously simple to make.  Inexpensive.  Really, really tasty.

I’ve been making carrot and red lentil soup since I was in college.  It was very kind to my student budget and I value its affordability still.  Both my husband and I enjoy the flavour of this soup and I like that it’s so simple to make.  I can easily throw it together on a busy afternoon and be comforted in the knowledge that a nutritious meal is readily at hand.

To make Carrot and Red Lentil Soup, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 6 cups stock (I used chicken this time but vegetable is fine too)
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin

Combine all the ingredients in a pot and bring them to a boil. Skim any foam that forms on the top, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, until the lentils are soft.  This usually takes about 40 minutes on my stove.  It may take more or less on yours depending upon the temperature at which it simmers.


Working in small batches, purée the soup in your blender.  Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning.  You can serve it right away if you want but I usually return it to the stove and let it simmer for another hour so that it thickens up a bit.


That’s it.  I told you it was simple!  Enjoy!
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This post is linked to Gallery of Favorites hosted by The 21st Century Housewife and Premeditated Leftovers, to The Weekend Wrap Up Party hosted by Tatertots and Jello, and to the Pity Party at 30 Days, to Sunday Roundup with KaylaRose and Heather, to Making Mondays Marvelous with C.R.A.F.T., to Makin' You Crave Monday hosted by Mrs. Happy Homemaker,  to Recipe Party @ The Sweet Spot, to Tip Me Tuesday hosted by Tip Junkie,  to Delicious Dish Tuesday hosted by Mama Chocolate, Full Time Mama and Coping with Frugality, to Cast Party Wednesday hosted by Lady Behind The Curtain, and to Unveil your Genius, hosted by Goings on in Texas.

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    Mrs Happy Homemaker

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15 comments:

Alea Milham said...

Your soup looks wonderful! I am often amazed at how wonderful a dish can taste even though it has been made with only a few, simple ingredients. More isn't necessarily better.

Aunt B said...

That's certainly true in this case. :) Thanks Alea.

Christy said...

How super simple! My kids call lentil soup mush and we love it. I will be giving your dish a try next time red lentils are on the menu!

Aunt B said...

Thank you for stopping by to check out the recipe Christy. It is very simple. I hope your kids enjoy it. :)

April J Harris said...

I love how simple this soup is, yet it is so nutritious, and sounds so delicious too! This is a wonderful frugal recipe to have on hand. I'm so glad you shared it!

Aunt B said...

Thank you April. :) I appreciate the opportunity to share it on the gallery. Thank you for hosting.

Taylor @ Pink Heels Pink Truck said...

How simple! I would love for you to share this with my Unveil Your Genius link party! http://taylornorris.blogspot.com/2012/04/unveil-your-genius-link-party-6.html
(New linky every Thursday...each linky runs for a week)

Happy Sunday!

Rose Jesky said...

That looks so good and I love your pictures they are so creative. Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Round Up. can't wait to see what you share next week. I'm now following you.
Rose @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/

Aunt B said...

Thank you Taylor. I've made a note in my calendar and I'll be linking the recipe up this week. Thanks for stopping by to check it out. :)

Aunt B said...

Thank you Rose, and welcome. :) I love it when someone new joins the conversation.

I'm now following you through Google Reader. I really enjoyed the baby jacket tutorial.

Unknown said...

This looks delicuios. Wish the boyfriend liked soup. Ill have to make this for a girls lunch one day.
Thanks for sharing:)
New follower!
xoxo
Heather

Aunt B said...

Thank you Heather. I'm glad you like the recipe.

I enjoyed your photo post today. :)

Alesha @ Full Time Mama said...

YUM! This looks and sounds delicious! I don't have red lentils, but I'm assuming I can use the lentils I have. Or do they taste different? Think I may have to make this this week!
Thanks so much for sharing with Delicious Dish Tuesday! I'm featuring this recipe as my favorite this week! =) Can't wait to see what you share next!

Aunt B said...

I'm glad you like the recipe. :)

I've never made this with other lentils than the red (orange) ones. I use them both because the colour works well with the carrots and because red lentils are tiny so they cook very quickly.

Aunt B said...

Thanks for hosting Taylor. I appreciate the opportunity to share my recipe.