Carrot Lentil Soup

This Easy Carrot Lentil Soup recipe is a simple, healthy, complete meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes. Carrots are not only naturally sweet and flavorful, but they also make a creamy soup that the whole family will love.

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why this creamy carrot soup is so good
• 📝 Ingredients you'll need
• 🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
• 🥄 Step by step: instructions
• 👩‍🍳 What else can you add: variations
• 💡 My notes
• 🧺 How to store leftovers
• ⌛ Make Ahead
• 🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with
• 💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
• 📣 Related Recipes
• Carrot Lentil Soup

❤️ Why this creamy carrot soup is so good

• Wholesome comfort soup: this soup is sweet, savory, and deliciously satisfying. Nutritious, and it is one of my favorite ways to eat carrots.
• It's a budget-friendly one pot meal that can be made using everyday simple ingredients.
• This carrot lentil soup is perfect for colder weather or when you need something warm and comforting. Plus, it is freezer-friendly, so make a big batch and freeze it for later.

This is one of my favorite simple carrot lentil soup recipes because it's so easy to make and has a great balance of flavors. It's also very customizable, so you can adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes.

📝 Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

• Olive oil - I like to use extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral oil will work.
• Unsalted butter - This adds richness and depth of flavor to the soup.
• Onion - Yellow or white onions are both great options.
• Garlic clove - Fresh garlic is recommended, but you can use minced garlic from a jar if needed.
• Carrots peeled and cut into chunks - Use fresh carrots for the best taste and texture. Don't forget to wash and peel them first.
• Lentils - red lentils washed and drained.
• Chicken/vegetable broth - Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor, but vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian/vegan option.
• Heavy cream - This adds creaminess and richness to the soup. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer a lighter option.
• Salt, pepper, and cumin - These seasonings are essential for bringing out all the flavors in your soup.

🥣 Before you begin: essential tools

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• Large pot
• Blender

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🥄 Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add oil and butter. Saute the onion in the melted butter for a couple of minutes. Add carrots and keep stirring for 5 minutes to get the carrots tender and partially caramelized. Add garlic slices and continue to stir for another 30 seconds.
2. Add yellow lentils, pour in the broth, and bring the pot to a boil. Partially cover and let it simmer on medium heat until carrots are fully cooked and fork-tender.
3. When the soup is done, take it off the heat and let it cool down a bit before blending it in your blender or a food processor until smooth.
4. Pour the blended soup into a pot and return to the stovetop. Add spices and cream. Mix everything well, let it simmer for 5 minutes, and then serve.

👩‍🍳 What else can you add: variations

• This recipe is easily adaptable to dietary restrictions. You can make it dairy-free by using creamy coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian/vegan option, and omit butter.
• Although red lentils is my favorite in this recipe you can use brown lentils or green lentils just note that the color will be different.
• Add some warm spices like a pinch of cayenne pepper, garam masala dry or fresh ginger, or chili powder.
• Add a little more flavor to your soup by adding spices such as rosemary. thyme, oregano, or coriander.
• Mix a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste for color and a nice flavor.
• If you love fresh cilantro, add a ¼ cup while cooking or garnish your dish with some chopped cilantro, so tasty.

💡 My notes

• Try to chop your carrots into similar-sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate. You can also use baby carrots.
• Make sure that you are stirring the carrots often while they saute. This will prevent them from burning and turning bitter.
• Give the soup time to cool before you add it to the blender so you do not get burned.
• If you have an immersion blender, you can use that in place of a regular blender to puree this soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
• And if the soup came out too thick for your liking add more broth for a thinner consistency.
• Add the spices at the end of the cooking process and give it a taste. Adjust the seasonings to suit your tastebuds. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice.

🧺 How to store leftovers

Storage - Leftover carrot lentil soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating - Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

Freezing - This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

⌛ Make Ahead

One great thing about soup is that it always tastes better the next day. This means it's delicious when made ahead; you can make it up to two days in advance.

🍽️ Perfect pairings: what to serve with

• This soup makes a delicious meal all on its own, however, you can also pair it with your favorite crusty bread like this Air Fryer Garlic Bread or some of these Fluffy Butter Dinner Rolls.
• I like serving this soup with Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce, so buttery and creamy. Both dishes complement each other very well.

💬 Your questions answered: FAQs

📣 Related Recipes

• Egyptian Red Lentil Soup is another great easy soup recipe that is healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.
• This Instant Pot Chicken and Pot Soup is another quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
• If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our Turkey Albondigas Soup for another delicious soup option.
• Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is another simple creamy soup recipe that can be made in just 15 minutes.

What's your favorite carrot recipe? Do you have a must-make one? Please share below!

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