Carrot and Lentil Soup

Carrot and lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that's perfect for colder days.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: lemon wedges, yogurt, or cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add Carrots and Lentils:

   • Add chopped carrots and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.

3. Add Spices:

   • Sprinkle ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground coriander over the vegetables and lentils. Stir well to coat.

4. Simmer:

   • Pour vegetable broth or water into the pot, covering the vegetables and lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.

5. Blend (Optional):

   • Once the carrots and lentils are cooked, you can blend the soup to your desired consistency using an immersion blender or by transferring the soup to a blender in batches. For a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

6. Season:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the carrot and lentil soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.

8. Optional Garnish:

   • Serve the soup with a wedge of lemon for squeezing, a dollop of yogurt, or a swirl of cream if desired.

9. Enjoy:

   • Serve the carrot and lentil soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors and nutritious goodness.

This carrot and lentil soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.