Nothing tastes better on a cold day than a bowl of steamy hot soup, like this Golden Red Lentil Soup! It keeps your insides warm and your taste buds happy. Pair the soup with crusty bread and all I can say is YUM!
Did you know that some health experts consider lentils the single most healthiest food? Some of the health benefits of the beautiful little lentil are; lowering cholesterol (and we could all use that), rich in dietary fiber, Iron for energy, and lowers blood sugar, just to name a few. It’s a super food, one that is easy to make and tastes delicious!
Lentils come in a variety of colors (Brown, Green, and Red). I haven’t noticed a difference in flavor since lentils are wonderful at taking on the flavors you add to them, but I like the red ones the best (their prettier).
The red lentils start this beautiful coral color and when cooked turn into a delicate golden color.
I remember when I was a kid my mom would make lentil soup and when she served it to me she would always say “mangiare, it’s good for you” little did I know how right she was. Now, I make lentils for my family. I still make my mom’s recipe, but I’ve also added a few more recipes that I will be sharing with you!
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2½ cups red lentils, looked through and rinsed
- ¼ cup long grain rice
- 12 cups vegetable broth or water
- ½ teaspoon tumeric
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- 3 shakes of Tabasco
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- fresh parsley, optional
- Heat oil in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat, like a dutch oven
- Add onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 10 minutes until they become soft.
- Add lentils, rice, and water to veggies. Cover pan and bring to a boil, about 15 minutes.
- Reduce to simmer and cook for an additional 25 minutes.
- Add tumeric, lemon pepper, Tabasco, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper.
- Keep lid off and simmer for an additional 20 minutes until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
- *Garnish with smoked paprika and fresh parsley, optional
- *Stir occasionally throughout the cooking process.
Until Next Time…
XOXO
