Golden Lemon Lentil Soup (Print Version)

Vibrant golden soup with red lentils, turmeric and fresh lemon that offers both comfort and anti-inflammatory benefits.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup red lentils
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Seasonings

06 - 1 tsp turmeric powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
02 - Add red lentils to the pot, stirring to coat with the spice mixture. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer.
03 - Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils have broken down and soup has thickened to desired consistency.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting lemon juice as needed for desired brightness.
05 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Red lentils cook faster than other varieties and break down completely for a creamy texture
02 - Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright flavor and prevent curdling
03 - Soup will thicken as it cools - add more broth when reheating if needed
04 - Fresh turmeric can be substituted for powder - use 1 tablespoon grated fresh turmeric
05 - Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months