Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils Recipe
A warming and nutritious Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils, featuring fragrant spices, creamy texture, and a hint of heat. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sriracha or chili oil (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Carrots: Stir in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds while stirring constantly to bloom the spices and release their aromas. Add the chopped carrots and rinsed red lentils, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the carrots and lentils are submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the lentils have broken down, thickening the soup.
- Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smoother, creamier texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Season and Finish: Stir in sesame oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness with additional cayenne pepper if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro if using. Drizzle with Sriracha or chili oil for an extra spicy kick, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the soup.
- Blending is optional; leaving the soup chunky offers a heartier texture.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; ground ginger is a less preferred substitute.
- Vegetable broth can be homemade or store-bought.
- For a vegan version, ensure your vegetable broth is free from animal products.
Keywords: spicy carrot soup, red lentil soup, sesame soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, easy soup recipe, vegan-friendly
