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Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils

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Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils is a vibrant and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of carrots with the earthy warmth of red lentils and a fiery kick of spice. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. The addition of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty depth, while the red lentils create a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, a quick lunch, or anytime you’re craving a bowl of comforting and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Spicy Sesame Carrot Soup with Red Lentils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 inch ginger, grated

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

  • 6 cups vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

  • Sriracha or chili oil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.

Add Spices and Carrots:

  1. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

  2. Add Carrots and Lentils: Add the chopped carrots and rinsed red lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Simmer the Soup:

  1. Pour in Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the carrots and lentils are fully submerged.

  2. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the lentils have broken down and thickened the soup.

Blend the Soup (Optional):

  1. Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.

Season and Finish:

  1. Add Sesame Oil: Stir in the sesame oil.

  2. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  3. Adjust Spices: If desired, add more cayenne pepper for extra spice.

Serve:

  1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro (if using).

  2. Add Spice (Optional): Drizzle with Sriracha or chili oil for an extra kick of heat, if desired.

Equipment

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Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/spicy-sesame-carrot-soup-with-red-lentils/