Carrot and red lentil soup

A blended soup without cream, thickened with red lentils, for four servings.

Carrot and red lentil soup
AI-generated illustration
15Preparation · min
30Cooking · min
4Servings

Preparation

  1. 01

    Wash, trim and peel the carrots if needed. Cut into evenly thin rounds. Slice the onion and rinse the lentils in a fine sieve.

  2. 02

    Soften the onion in the oil in a heavy pot over moderate heat for about 5 minutes without burning it. Add cumin and stir briefly.

  3. 03

    Add carrots, lentils and water. Bring to a simmer and cook gently, partly covered, for about 20–25 minutes, depending on the lentils. Stir to prevent sticking. Check that carrots yield to a knife and lentils are tender.

  4. 04

    Remove from the heat. Blend with an immersion blender, keeping its head submerged to prevent splashes. Add a little hot water if too thick. Season gradually and divide into four servings.

Equipment and texture

Use a pot, fine sieve and immersion blender. If using a jug blender, check that it accepts hot liquids and follow its capacity and steam-venting instructions. Lentils thicken the soup without cream.

Adapt and serve

Reduce or omit cumin to taste. Count accompanying bread separately. The soup thickens as it rests; add water gradually when reheating. Carrot thickness and lentil type affect the cooking time.

Store and reheat

Portion leftovers into suitable containers and follow the storage guide. Reheat only the amount needed. This version uses water; broth changes salt and may introduce allergens such as celery.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it grainy?

Carrots or lentils may still be firm. Check tenderness before blending and cook longer with enough water if needed.

Can I use green lentils?

They hold their shape and may take longer. Use instructions suited to that product rather than automatically keeping the same cooking time.

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