Name: Red Lentil and Carrot Soup With Cumin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced small; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 cup dry split red lentils, rinsed; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth labeled alcohol-free and entirely plant-based; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp salt, adjusted for broth; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

About this recipe

This red lentil and carrot soup with cumin uses one pot, split red lentils and vegetable broth. There is no cream in the ingredient list: the lentils soften into the soup, and you can mash or blend it to choose the texture. Lemon and parsley finish the four-serving recipe.

Start with small carrot pieces

Dice the carrots evenly and soften them with the onion before adding broth. Small pieces become tender in the time the split lentils need to soften, so the soup cooks evenly without leaving crunchy vegetables.

Adjust thickness just before serving

Red lentils absorb liquid as the soup rests. Stir in a little hot water to loosen it, then taste again for salt and lemon. An immersion blender gives a smoother finish, but a potato masher keeps more texture.

Use split red lentils for this method

Sort and rinse the lentils before adding them. Split red lentils soften and break down during simmering, which is part of the intended texture. Whole green or brown lentils need different timing and will not give the same finish.

Choose a chunky or smooth finish

Leave the soup as it is for a softer chunky texture, mash it lightly in the pot, or use an immersion blender carefully for a smoother finish. Check that the carrot pieces are fully soft before blending. The soup needs no cream to become thicker.

Adjust the soup before serving

The lentils continue absorbing liquid after cooking. If the soup becomes thicker than you like, add hot water a little at a time and stir well. Taste again for lemon and salt after loosening it, since the extra liquid changes the balance.

Helpful cooking tips

Rinse the lentils and remove any debris before cooking.

Choose entirely plant-based broth labeled alcohol-free; check every packaged ingredient label. Contains no added dairy.

For this recipe choose packaged ingredients labeled alcohol-free and free of porcine ingredients, including sauces, broth, cheese and seasonings where used.

Frequently asked questions

Does red lentil carrot soup contain cream?

This version contains no cream or other dairy ingredient. Its texture comes from softened lentils and the optional mashing or blending step. Check your broth label.

Do I need to soak the red lentils?

This method starts with rinsed dry split red lentils and does not include a soaking step. Sort out any debris and follow package directions if they differ.

Can I use green lentils instead?

They are not a direct substitute here. They keep their shape and need different cooking time, so use split red lentils for this recipe.

Why did my soup become very thick?

The lentils absorb liquid while simmering and resting. Add hot water gradually until the soup reaches the texture you want, then adjust the seasoning.

What can I serve with the soup?

Serve it as a light meal on its own or add suitable bread or a separately prepared side. Side dishes are not included in the ingredient quantities or estimated cooking time.