Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

Was looking forward to this making this, and after seeing the comments, made a few changes...used chicken stock, and, instead of water, one 14oz. can of diced tomatoes and more stock. I used 3 carrots instead of 1, and didn't bother to blend....and added a bag of spinach, finished with grated parm, and it was fabulous.

This is a very tasty recipe but I have two suggestions:
1. There is too much liquid for the amount of lentils; therefore add one or two small potatoes, diced, to give the soup more body.
2. Step 4 - No need for more mess of moving half the soup into another pot; get the same rougher consistency by pureeing in one pot but in short bursts until somewhat, but not entirely smooth.

This recipe makes 4 small bowls of soup. Double the recipe to serve 4-6

Absolutely delicious! I will never buy lentil soup again. This soup is better than any I've had at any Persian, Arabic or other mediterranian restaurant.
I did add an extra 2 cloves of garlic, extra 1/4 c of lentils, an extra carrot, and used 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/4 tsp of kebab spices ( mostly coriander and cumin)
Consistency and flavor were perfect!

I followed the suggestion to use 2 carrots, 3 garlic cloves, and 5 cups of chicken broth, 1.5 cup red lentil and no water. I grated my carrots and sauteed it with the garlic and onion. I normally don't like red lentils, but this was fantastic. The lemon really rounded the soup. Will make this again.

Jules: for this quantity (1 cup lentils), a couple of plum tomatoes should do. Important to get nice juicy ripe tomatoes, and to sauté all the vegetables until the oil rises to the top and takes on the red tomato color, otherwise it will retain a somewhat raw taste no matter how long you simmer the soup. That first step ensures the full release of flavor of the spices.

I ate this soup almost every day in Turkey, where sumac and/or mint are added at the end. Sumac is not hard to find in the US (Whole Foods carries it), and adds a lovely tartness more mellow than lemon. The mint is also a nice touch.

You'll get more color out of the carrot and the tomato paste than the lentils. Red lentils fade rapidly to pale pink and then yellow as they are exposed to prolonged heat. But forget their color, it's the flavor and texture that makes them so desirable. If you want more red bump up the tomato or add some sweet smoked Spanish paprika--the subtle smoke note is terrific with lentils of all hues.

We like to zest the lemon as well. The brightness of flavor this adds is incredible. The flavor just explodes in your mouth!

I make this all the time. At the end I often add fish (a pound of tilapia works nicely) to make a rich one-pot dinner - like a thick chowder. (The fish cooks in the hot soup.) I like things spicy so I then adjust the seasonings (including the amount of lemon) accordingly; and I let the volume reduce a bit by not covering the pot tightly when simmering.

Just made this for the first time, and it was delicious. I understand that some people do not like cilantro, but it really does benefit from that flavour, as well as the lemon juice. Keep those two ingredients in there, and you won't be sorry! I followed the recipe exactly, and didn't find it too thin. I have leftovers, and keep going back to the pot for another spoonful. I will say that it gets thicker as it cools. Highly recommend, and will definitely make again.

After I used the immersion blender, I added a bunch of lacinato kale torn into small pieces and cooked for a few more minutes until wilted. Delicious!

I have made this soup at least 3 dozen times, always yielding the same delicious results. It freezes beautifully making it a great option for make-ahead menu item or impromtu dinner party. In addition to the cilantro, I like to garnish with toasted pepitas. It's so good I've served it as light lunch item on Thanksgiving.

This is such an easy, healthy, inexpensive soup. I add two tablespoons of barley to give it a little silkiness. Also use ground chipotle pepper. I cook this in my pressure cooker for about 9 minutes, which results in no need for the immersion blender step.

Really great -- but I usually make with brown lentils (cook a little longer)

Phenomenal recipe. Relatively quick, very fun to make, comforting and healthy. Just wonderful.

I've made this at least 5x. It is absolutely delicious. Everyone who tries it says so. I've made a few changes that I love- I use at least 3 carrots, I add a little sugar, I increase the chili powder & cayenne a bit, add a teaspoon or so of red curry paste and use a can of fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of the water (as a reader suggested). I also add some Maggi seasoning. Next level flavor, thank you Melissa Clark!

LOVED and absolutely adding to repertoire. I followed recipe exactly except for;(1) I used all chicken stock for liquid (meaning no water at all! h2o = zero flavour!) (2) I didn’t bother pulsing. The lentils themselves became unxious and soft on their own - creating such a gorgeous texture. (3) Never follow measurements with salt and pepp. Always measure with your heart. (And your palate!)(4) Definitely adding spinach to the soup next time!Next on the menu;Carrot Cake by Dorie Greenspan

First time I made this (as most new recipes) I followed it closely. Delicious. Afterwards I adjusted the seasonings to taste and the amount of liquid to lentil for my desired soupiness. My main change is roasting the onions and carrots with oil in a sheet pan at 400° for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally. Roasting caramelizes the vegetables and brings out their flavor, enriching the soup.

Great recipe! Add ginger and turmeric.You can double carrots and add tomato’sDon’t add the 2c water.Add a pepper if you have it

I’m gonna say something that will get me roasted…this soup is perfect with a little MSG.

Use 4 cups stock, 1 cup water

Added a fresh chopped tomato. Added 1 teaspoon ginger paste with other spices after onion. Also 1 teaspoon curry and used a chicken bouillon or curry block. 1 teaspoon garam masala

Great recipe! I doubled the recipe and added an extra carrot and cooked it longer and slower in the slow cooker. Worked well!

Followed the recipe as written. Delicious!

So easy and delicious. A pandemic classic that came with us to the 'after' times. I don't bother blending. It tastes good the way it is. Thanks Melissa!

Added turmeric, coriander, touch of cinnamon. Added more quantity of recipe spices than requested per comments

We didn’t enjoy the combination of flavors in this soup. Won’t make it again.

This is my go to recipe for red lentils.It is one of our regular dinners. Last night we had pork gyoza with it. It was a great combination.