Description
This Anti-Inflammatory Lentil Soup Recipe is a nourishing, comforting bowl made with red lentils, turmeric, carrots, and aromatic spices. Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, this easy soup comes together in about 45 minutes and makes a perfect healthy meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 cup red lentils (uncooked and rinsed)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, diced
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups water (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup coconut milk for creaminess
Handful of spinach or kale
Instructions
Heat the oil
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Sauté the onion
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened and lightly translucent.Add vegetables
Stir in the carrots and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add the celery and cook briefly while stirring.Add lentils and spices
Add the rinsed red lentils, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly.Add liquid and bring to boil
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.Simmer the soup
Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 30–45 minutes until the lentils are soft and creamy.Finish and serve
Stir in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Red lentils cook faster and create a naturally creamy soup texture.
If the soup becomes too thick, simply add extra broth or water while simmering.
For deeper flavor, replace half the water with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth.
This soup freezes well for up to 1 month.
Soaking lentils overnight may help reduce bloating for some people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Healthy Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 6.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.8 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
