Simple Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups water
- ½ onion
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ tsp paprika or cumin, optional
- 1 lemon, for serving, optional
Method:
Start Cooking- Rinse the lentils well.
- Add lentils, water, and onion to a pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer about 15–20 minutes until the lentils are very soft.
- In a small pan, melt the butter. Add flour and cook 1–2 minutes while stirring. Do not let it brown too much.
- Slowly add the beef broth into the flour mixture while whisking so it stays smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the soup pot.
- Blend until creamy using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer another 3–5 minutes if needed.
- Serve warm with lemon if you like. Bon appétit.
Kitchen Tools:
- Immersion blender or countertop blender
Notes:
- If the soup feels too thick after blending, add a little hot water.
- For deeper flavor, sauté the onion in butter before boiling.
- Add 1 small carrot or potato while boiling for extra body.
- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes for warmth.
- Finish with lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, pita, crackers, or a simple salad.
- A squeeze of lemon and crushed red pepper on top work especially well with the creamy texture.
Nutrition:
FROM THE PANTRY
Red lentils
WHY WE LOVE IT
Red lentils cook quickly, blend smoothly, and turn simple ingredients into a warm, comforting meal. They create a naturally creamy texture without needing heavy ingredients, making them a pantry staple for easy soups and everyday cooking.
A LITTLE STORY
Red lentil soup has long been part of kitchens across Türkiye, the Middle East, and beyond. Different versions exist from home to home, but the heart of the soup stays the same: lentils, water or broth, and a warm bowl shared around the table. In many homes, it is one of the first soups people learn to make because it is simple, affordable, and deeply comforting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Unlike green or brown lentils, red lentils break down very quickly while cooking. That is why they are often used for creamy soups, stews, and purees without needing extra thickening ingredients.