Heartwarming & Healthy: The Ultimate Red Lentil Soup with Lemon (Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Friendly)

Discover your new go-to comfort meal with this incredibly flavorful Red Lentil Soup with Lemon! It’s a culinary gem that effortlessly blends ease, affordability, and nutritional goodness into one delicious bowl. This recipe is not just budget-friendly and pantry-staple compliant, making it a perfect choice for any time, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Whether you prefer the speed of an Instant Pot or the convenience of a Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot), we’ve got you covered with detailed instructions for both methods below. As an added bonus, this nourishing soup is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and completely vegan, catering to a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of taste.

Why This Lemony Red Lentil Soup Will Become Your Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this robust and zesty red lentil soup. From its quick preparation to its incredible health benefits, it ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

• Effortlessly Fast & Simple: In a world where time is precious, this recipe shines. If you opt for the Instant Pot, you can have a steaming bowl of delicious soup ready in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the lengthy cooking process.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Crafted with wholesome, simple ingredients like nutrient-rich red lentils, sweet carrots, aromatic garlic, and the bright zest of fresh lemon, this soup offers a symphony of flavors that soothe the soul. Its creamy texture and hearty nature make it the quintessential comfort food that the whole family will adore.
• Incredibly Budget-Friendly: Looking for meals that won’t break the bank? Lentils are one of the most economical sources of protein and fiber, making this soup an incredibly cost-effective option. Combined with common pantry staples, it’s a smart choice for delicious eating on a budget.
• Dietary Inclusive & Healthy: This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Naturally free from dairy and gluten, and entirely vegan, it’s a fantastic option for those with specific dietary requirements or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. It’s packed with essential nutrients, making every spoonful a step towards better health.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe is easily scalable. It’s also forgiving, allowing for slight adjustments to spices or additional vegetables based on what you have on hand, ensuring you can enjoy it again and again with subtle variations.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Why Lentils Are So Good For You

Beyond their delicious taste and satisfying texture, lentils are a nutritional marvel. Incorporating them into your diet, especially through comforting dishes like this red lentil soup, is a fantastic way to boost your overall health. These humble legumes are tiny but mighty, offering a wealth of benefits:

• Rich in B Vitamins: Lentils are an excellent source of various B vitamins, including folate, which is crucial for energy production, brain function, and healthy red blood cell formation.
• Mineral-Packed: They provide significant amounts of essential minerals such as magnesium, vital for muscle and nerve function; zinc, important for immune health; and potassium, key for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• High in Protein: Made up of over 25% protein, lentils are an outstanding plant-based protein source. This makes them particularly valuable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption while still feeling full and energized.
• Excellent Source of Iron: Iron is critical for transporting oxygen in the blood, and lentils offer a substantial amount, helping to prevent iron-deficiency anemia, especially when paired with vitamin C-rich foods like lemon.
• Abundant in Fiber: Lentils are incredibly high in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. This aids in digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.

Lentils are edible seeds belonging to the legume family and come in various colors, each with unique characteristics. For this particular recipe, we use **red lentils**. These are typically split, which means they cook much faster than other varieties. They also boast a delightful slightly sweet and nutty flavor profile, and their natural tendency to break down during cooking results in a wonderfully creamy soup without the need for any dairy.

Key Ingredients for Your Lemony Red Lentil Soup

This soup relies on a straightforward list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. Each component plays a vital role in building the soup’s incredible depth of flavor and comforting texture.

• Red Lentils: The star of the show! As mentioned, these split lentils cook quickly and create a naturally creamy base. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, it provides a healthy fat base and helps develop the foundational flavors of the soup.
• Onion: A classic aromatic, diced onion adds a sweet and savory depth once softened.
• Carrot: Diced carrots contribute natural sweetness, body, and a lovely color to the soup, while also adding essential vitamins.
• Garlic: Minced garlic offers a pungent, aromatic kick that is indispensable for a truly flavorful soup.
• Vegetable Broth: The liquid base for the soup, using good quality vegetable broth enhances the overall savory flavor. Choose a low-sodium option if you prefer to control the salt content.
• Water: Helps to thin the soup to your desired consistency and ensures the lentils cook properly.
• Red Curry Paste: This is a secret ingredient that adds a fantastic layer of complex flavor, a subtle warmth, and a hint of spice without making the soup overtly “curry-like.” It complements the lentils and lemon beautifully.
• Fresh Lemon: Absolutely essential! The juice and a potential garnish of fresh lemon slices provide the bright, zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the lentils and truly elevates the soup. Don’t skimp on fresh lemon for the best taste.
• Spices – Ground Cumin, Salt and Pepper: Cumin provides an earthy, warm spice that pairs wonderfully with lentils. Salt and black pepper are crucial for seasoning to taste and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
• Parsley for Garnish (optional): Fresh chopped parsley adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note when serving.

Mastering Your Lemony Red Lentil Soup: Instant Pot Instructions

The Instant Pot makes preparing this flavorful lentil soup incredibly fast and convenient. Follow these steps for a quick and satisfying meal:

• Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients – Begin by thoroughly washing your red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. Carefully pick through them to remove any small stones or debris. Next, wash and precisely chop your onion and carrots into small dice, and mince your garlic. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.
• Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics – Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” program. Add the olive oil to the inner pot. Once hot, add the diced onion and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing to prevent it from burning, stirring constantly until aromatic.
• Step 3: Combine & Pressure Cook – Carefully add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, water, red curry paste, ground cumin, the juice of one lemon (approximately 1/4 cup), sea salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Secure the lid, making sure it’s properly locked. Set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
• Step 4: Quick Release & Blend – Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position. Stand clear of the valve as steam will rapidly escape. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. The lentils should be very soft and creamy.
• Step 5: Blend for Smoothness – For a velvety smooth soup, use an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot and blend until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the hot soup in batches to a traditional blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids by only filling the blender halfway, securing the lid, and holding it down with a towel, blending in short bursts, and venting the lid. Blend until smooth.
• Step 6: Final Adjustments & Serve – Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you desire an extra bright kick, add an additional 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, along with more salt and pepper to suit your personal preference. Stir well. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh lemon slices and/or chopped parsley for an appealing finish. Dig in and enjoy this incredibly flavorful and comforting dish!

Mastering Your Lemony Red Lentil Soup: Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Instructions

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach and love the “set it and forget it” convenience, the slow cooker is an excellent method for this red lentil soup. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a deeply savory and rich soup.

• Step 1: Prep & Warm Up – Start by preparing your ingredients: wash the lentils thoroughly, dice the onion and carrots, and mince the garlic. Place your slow cooker insert into the base, close the lid, and set it to the “High” setting to pre-warm while you prepare your ingredients. This helps create a more even cooking environment.
• Step 2: Sauté (Optional but Recommended) – While you can simply dump all ingredients into the slow cooker, a quick sauté of the onion and carrots in a separate pan on the stovetop (or in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function) adds a layer of depth and flavor that shouldn’t be skipped if possible. Add olive oil to a large pan, sauté diced onion and carrots for 5 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant. Transfer these sautéed aromatics to your slow cooker.
• Step 3: Combine & Cook – Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, water, red curry paste, ground cumin, the juice of one lemon (approximately 1/4 cup), sea salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker, along with the sautéed vegetables. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
• Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection – Cook the soup on the “High” setting for about 3 hours, or on the “Low” setting for 6 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so cook until the lentils are completely soft and have broken down, creating a thick, creamy consistency.
• Step 5: Blend for Smoothness – Once the lentils are tender and the soup is cooked through, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully ladle batches of the hot soup into a regular blender and blend until creamy, remembering the safety tips for blending hot liquids (blend in small batches, do not overfill, secure lid, vent steam).
• Step 6: Final Adjustments & Serve – Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add an extra tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper if desired, then stir to combine. Ladle the warm, aromatic soup into individual bowls. Enhance its presentation and flavor with a garnish of fresh lemon slices and/or finely chopped parsley. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!

Don’t forget to pin this incredible recipe for later and share it with friends and family! If you give it a try, please let me know how it turned out. Your feedback always brightens my day!

Additional Tips for the Best Lemony Red Lentil Soup

Serving Suggestions

This versatile red lentil soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a complete and satisfying experience, consider serving it with:

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of artisan bread or warm pita bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: For an even more substantial meal, serve the soup over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
• Toppings Galore: Beyond lemon and parsley, consider a swirl of good quality extra virgin olive oil, a dollop of plain dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or cashew yogurt), a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat, or some toasted croutons for crunch.

Storage and Reheating

This red lentil soup is fantastic for meal prep! It stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much in the refrigerator, you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Reheating in the microwave is also an option for individual portions.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add More Vegetables: Spinach, kale, diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrients and texture. Stir in leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking or after blending.
• Spice It Up: For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a finely diced jalapeño, or increase the amount of red curry paste.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill for varied flavor profiles.
• Smoky Notes: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the soup.
• Creamier Texture: For an even richer and creamier soup, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of full-fat coconut milk after blending.

Red Lentil Soup with Lemon

Kelly Kirkendoll

Looking for a soup recipe that’s easy, healthy, vegetarian/vegan + budget- and pantry-friendly!? This Red Lentil Soup with Lemon is it! Make it in an Instant Pot or a Slow Cooker/Crock-Pot!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan

Servings 6 servings

Calories 264 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  1 Instant Pot OR Crock-Pot
• ▢
  1 Immersion blender (or regular blender)

Ingredients

  

• ▢ 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 medium onion, diced
• ▢ 2 medium carrots, diced
• ▢ 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• ▢ 2 cups dry red lentils, rinsed and picked over
• ▢ 4 cups vegetable broth
• ▢ 2 cups water
• ▢ 2 tsp red curry paste
• ▢ 2 tsp ground cumin
• ▢ 1 lemon; juice of 1 lemon (1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp)
• ▢ 3/4 tsp sea salt
• ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper
• ▢ salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ garnish with lemon slices and/or chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Sauté oil, onion and carrot for 5 minutes on the sauté program on your Instant Pot.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, stir and cover/lock the lid.
• Set the vent to “sealing” then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a quick release.
• Blend the soup using a hand immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a traditional blender in batches) and blend to puree.
• Taste and, if desired, add an additional 1Tbsp of lemon juice + a little salt and pepper to taste then blend a little to stir it in.

Notes

If you want to make this in a CROCK-POT (slow cooker) instead, sauté onion and carrots in a separate pan, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for about 3 hours or on low for 6 (or until the lentils are soft). Blend to desired consistency and season to taste.

 

© Kitchen Gone Rogue. www.kitchengonerogue.com

Nutrition

Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 16gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 941mgPotassium: 689mgFiber: 19gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4026IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 5mg

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