Spicy Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Recipe

4.34 from 6 votes

Lighter, brighter and quicker to make than other legume soups, this spicy red lentil vegetarian soup with lemon is one of my favorites.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: spicy lentil soup, vegetarian lentil soup, weight watchers red lentil soup

Servings:

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. When it's hot, add onion and cook until it is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, carrots, tomato paste, cumin, cayenne and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring well to combine, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the broth, lentils, oregano and bay leaf and stir well. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat and simmer, stirring every once in a while, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the lentils have melted into a thickish puree.
If desired, use an immersion or regular blender or a food processor to purée half the soup then add it back into the pot.
Thin with more water or broth if necessary and add salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro.

Serving size: 1-1/2 cups

WW Points: 1

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5 SmartPoints (Green plan)

1 SmartPoints (Blue plan)

1 SmartPoints (Purple plan)

6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

Variations:

Herbs and Spices - vary the herbs and spices to suit your tastes: garam masala, curry powder, Italian herbs, turmeric, or any other seasoning blend that suits your fancy.
Possible Additions - chopped kale, spinach or chard, chopped potatoes, sweet potatoes or squash, barley, rice, cooked sausage or chorizo.
Possible Toppings - chopped parsley or cilantro, a dollop of plain yogurt, drizzle of pomegranate syrup for tang or olive oil for richness.