Description
This hearty and nourishing soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, carrots, and apples with the earthiness of red lentils and warming spices. Perfect for chilly days or a wholesome meal, this velvety soup is comforting, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- Butter, ¼ cup
- Sweet potatoes, 2 large (peeled and chopped)
- Carrots, 3 large (peeled and chopped)
- Apple, 1 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- Onion, 1 (chopped)
- Red lentils, ½ cup
- Spices and Seasonings:
- Salt, 1 teaspoon
- Fresh ginger, ½ teaspoon (minced)
- Black pepper, ½ teaspoon
- Ground cumin, ½ teaspoon
- Chili powder, ½ teaspoon
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon
- Liquid Ingredients:
- Vegetable broth, 4 cups
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped sweet potatoes, carrots, apple, and onion. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Spices and Lentils:
- Stir in the red lentils, salt, ginger, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- Toast the spices for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Add Liquid and Simmer:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and lentils are soft.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.
- Alternatively, transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches, allowing steam to escape, and blend until smooth.
- Adjust the Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, add water in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency.
- Bring the soup back to a simmer and stir well.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
- Garnish with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Pair with crusty bread or sourdough for dipping.
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Top with croutons, roasted seeds, or a swirl of coconut cream for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and Blending
- Cuisine: International