Description
A cozy and nourishing lentil soup made with red lentils, tomato puree, sweet paprika, garlic, and onion for a smooth and comforting meal inspired by rustic 1970s cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree or tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 7/8 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 3 tablespoons bulgur wheat (optional)
- 5 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon dried mint or oregano for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large soup pot over low heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook gently for about 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in tomato puree and sweet paprika and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add rinsed red lentils and optional bulgur wheat.
- Pour in the stock and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until lentils are soft and beginning to break apart.
- Remove soup from heat.
- Blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with dried mint or oregano, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use vegetable stock to make the soup vegetarian.
- Red lentils naturally create a creamy texture without cream.
- Adjust thickness with extra stock or water if needed.
- Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.
- The soup thickens as it sits, so add liquid when reheating.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
