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To make a great spicy lentil soup, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 1 large onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 carrot, diced - 1 rib celery, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped - Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and hearty soup. The lentils provide protein, while the veggies add texture and flavor. You can add more ingredients to enhance the taste. Here are some ideas: - 1 teaspoon turmeric for a warm flavor - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness - A splash of hot sauce for more heat - Chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies Feel free to mix and match. These add-ins can turn a good soup into a great one! Garnishes make your soup more appealing. Here are some great options: - Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top - A dollop of yogurt for creaminess - Crusty bread on the side for dipping Serving your soup in deep bowls makes it look inviting. Enjoy it hot and share it with friends and family for a comforting meal. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above! Start by gathering your fresh veggies. You need one large onion, two cloves of garlic, one carrot, one rib of celery, and one red bell pepper. Dice the onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic. This helps all the flavors mix well when cooking. In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and the veggies to soften. This step builds a rich base for your soup. Next, stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Now, it’s time to add some spice! Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir these spices for 1 to 2 minutes until you smell their wonderful aroma. After that, add one cup of rinsed green or brown lentils and one can of diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. After the lentils are cooked, add two cups of chopped spinach or kale. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt. This adds color and nutrition to your soup. Serve your spicy lentil soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. For a full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your hearty meal! To get tender lentils, start with rinsing them under cold water. This removes any dirt and helps them cook evenly. Use fresh lentils for the best results. Cooking them in vegetable broth adds more flavor. Keep an eye on them as they simmer. If they get too soft, they can turn mushy. Aim for a soft texture but still with a slight bite. Spices make this soup special. Ground cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. I use cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, but you can adjust it. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne. For a twist, try curry powder or turmeric. Mixing spices in the oil releases their full flavor. Let them sizzle for a minute before adding other ingredients. Serve this soup hot in deep bowls. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley brightens the dish. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread. This helps soak up the flavorful broth. You can also add a dollop of yogurt on top for creaminess. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with a side salad. It makes a filling and satisfying dinner. For the full recipe, check out the Fiery Lentil Delight. {{image_2}} You can use many types of lentils in your soup. Green lentils are hearty and hold their shape well. Brown lentils are also a great choice and cook quickly. Red lentils break down more during cooking, giving a creamier texture. Each type adds a unique flavor and look to your dish. Experiment to find your favorite! The spice level can change how your soup tastes. For less heat, cut down on cayenne pepper. You can also swap it for sweet paprika. If you love heat, add more cayenne or even chili flakes. Always taste as you go. This lets you control the heat and keep it just how you like it. This soup is perfect for everyone, including vegetarians and vegans. All the ingredients are plant-based. You can use vegetable broth to keep it vegan. If you want extra protein, add chickpeas or tofu. They blend well and boost nutrition. Enjoy this warm bowl of comfort, knowing it fits many diets! To keep your spicy lentil soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to seal the container well. This keeps the soup from absorbing other smells in your fridge. If you want to save your soup for later, freezing works great. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating is easy! You can warm up your soup on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat over medium until it bubbles gently. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If using a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your warm soup! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. You can serve spicy lentil soup with crusty bread. A slice of sourdough works well. You can also pair it with a side salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. For a heartier meal, add rice or quinoa. Top the soup with fresh herbs for color and flavor. Yes, you can make spicy lentil soup in a slow cooker. Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and veggies in a pan. Then add them to the slow cooker. Mix in the lentils, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method lets the flavors blend well. Yes, spicy lentil soup is gluten-free. The ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your vegetable broth for gluten. Most brands are safe, but it’s good to confirm. Enjoy this soup without any worries about gluten! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for spicy lentil soup. I shared tips for cooking perfect lentils and ideas for tasty variations. You can store leftovers easily and reheat them well too. Spicy lentil soup is simple and fun to make. Whether you like it mild or hot, this soup fits your taste. With these tips, you can enjoy a warm bowl any time!

Spicy Lentil Soup

Warm up your dinner routine with this delicious Spicy Lentil Soup recipe that's packed with flavor and nutrition! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a hearty meal that impresses everyone at the table. Customize it with extra veggies or spices to suit your taste, and serve it with crusty bread for a complete comfort dish. Don't wait—click through to explore the full recipe and bring cozy flavors to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 rib celery, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups spinach or kale, chopped

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

    Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

      Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Add the rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.

          Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Once the lentils are cooked through, add the chopped spinach or kale and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.

              Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.