Spiced Carrot Lentil Cozy (Printable)

Cozy, hearty blend of spices, carrots, and lentils delivering warmth and rich flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced

→ Legumes & Liquids

06 - 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
07 - 5 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
16 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Incorporate cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine evenly.
05 - Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until carrots and lentils are tender.
06 - Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 - Use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup, achieving the desired consistency.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
  • The spice blend creates this cozy warming flavor that feels like comfort food but still tastes light and fresh
02 -
  • Rinse your lentils until the water runs completely clear or your soup will look disappointingly cloudy
  • The soup thickens a lot as it sits so plan to add a splash of water or broth when you reheat leftovers
03 -
  • Let the soup sit for ten minutes off the heat before serving the flavors meld and it tastes even better
  • If you only have regular paprika add a tiny pinch of liquid smoke to mimic that smoky depth
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