Ingredients

• 250 g red lentils
• 1 piece yellow onion
• 1 piece carrot
• 3 clove garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1.2 kg vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables

   Dice the onion into small 5mm pieces and finely chop the carrot into similar-sized cubes. Mince the garlic cloves until very fine. Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, about 2-3 minutes. Do not skip rinsing as it removes excess starch and prevents foaming.

2. Sauté aromatics

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the carrot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Do not let the vegetables brown or they will become bitter.

3. Add spices

   Add the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika to the pot. Cook over medium heat for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices become fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden. Add the tomato paste and stir for another 30 seconds. Do not let the spices burn or the soup will taste bitter.

4. Add lentils

   Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot and stir to coat with the aromatic mixture for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Pour in the vegetable broth gradually while stirring to prevent sticking. Bring to a boil over high heat, which should take 3-4 minutes. Do not add cold liquid all at once as it can cause splattering.

5. Simmer soup

   Reduce heat to low and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils completely break down and the soup becomes creamy. The soup should coat the back of a spoon when ready. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Do not cook on high heat as the lentils may stick to the bottom.

6. Blend and finish

   Using an immersion blender, blend the soup for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Do not skip the lemon juice as it brightens the entire flavor profile.

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