Packed with carrots and tomatoes, this vegan Lentil Soup recipe with Indian spices is a perfect dish for an easy, healthy and delicious meal!
Like most holidays, my time in France blurred before my eyes like a dream. A haze of running through wet Parisian streets at night hidden underneath the world’s smallest umbrella. Being captivated at L’Atelier des Lumières, and inhaling plates of French Cuisine over luncheons that lasted for hours. One of the more memorable experiences was leaping into a crowd of Frenchman for my first Paquito, a tradition more commonly known in the South of France. But my French, it seems, has improved since the last time I was there. Although this was profusely dismissed, “Je ne pense pas!” I was radiating with pride.
After a month of consuming my bodyweight’s worth of cheese, my body craved simple and nutritious meals. Dishes I can prepare quickly, with the comfort of knowing I’m nourishing my body while recovering from jetlag. Minimal effort Required. Bowls of steamed vegetables, cleansing soups, smoothies and of course, this Yellow & Red Lentil Soup.
Warming spices, dried legumes and carrots. It doesn’t require many ingredients nor time to prepare, and yet it is one of those dishes I return to frequently. It’s cheap, fast and satisfying.
I’m looking forward to sharing my photographs of Europe with you all!
Vegan Lentil Soup with Indian Spices
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil or ghee
- 1 red onion peeled and finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root
- 1 bunch of coriander leaves set aside and stalked finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 carrots peeled and cubed into small pieces
- 1 cup 200g masoor dal red lentils soaked overnight preferable
- 1 cup 200g moong dal yellow lentils , soaked overnight preferable*
- 6 cups 1.5 litres of water
- 1 curry leaf (optional)
- 3 ripe tomatoes washed and finely chopped
To Serve
- Coriander leaves
- Natural yogurt (or vegan equivalent)
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Medium-sized pot
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over a medium to high heat. Once warmed, add the red onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the onions are transparent. Include the minced garlic, ginger and coriander stalks and cook for 1 minute.
- Inside the pot, push the onion mixture to the outer rim of the pot and place an additional 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in the centre. Include the garam masala, cumin, ground turmeric and cayenne pepper, toast until fragrant. Stir through the cubed carrots, masoor dal red lentils and moong dal yellow lentils.
- Add the water and curry leaf, bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Once the lentils are el dente, stir through the chopped tomatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Once cooked, serve into bowls and top with yogurt, fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds. Bon Appétit! 🙂
Notes
- Moong Dal Yellow Lentils can be found in most indian grocers. If you’re unable to find them, red lentils are a sufficient substitute.
Nutrition
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Bespoke Traveler says
❤️ You always add such intriguing touches to your recipes. I’d never thought of putting pomegranate seeds into my dal before, but I’m eager to try it now! That burst of bright, contrasting color looks lovely and I’m thinking the tartness of the seeds goes really well with the warm spice blend.
Et, je suis heureux de savoir que vous avez passé un très bon moment dans le sud de la France.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Bespoke, hearing from you always makes my day! You’re absolutely right, the pomegranate’s tartness pairs perfectly with the spices that complement the dish.
Merci beaucoup! J’adore la France – la vin, la fromage et la art – c’est trés fantasique!
Jackie says
I’ve never tried making a dish like this but I am a big fan of Indian spices as well as lentils.
This seems like a simple recipe for a beginner like me. I’m going to give it a try! (Your photos are gorgeous, by the way.)
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Jackie! It really is a fool-proof recipe, even for beginners! Good luck! I look forward to hearing how your dish turns out!
Maggie says
Your photos have totally sold this for me. This looks so delicious, I can not wait to give it a go!
Kylie (Author) says
Oh thanks Maggie! I hope it goes well!
Neda says
Beautiful AND delicious, thank you for sharing!
Kylie (Author) says
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! My pleasure Neda!
Janine Ella says
I’m a little familiar with dal because my partner and his family are vegetarian and we sometimes dine at restaurants offering this dish. But I haven’t tried it with pomegranate seeds too. In fact, I haven’t seen a pomegranate in my whole life. Haha!
Kylie (Author) says
Yes, Dal is not commonly served with pomegranate seeds but I enjoy the tart sweetness it brings the dish! I would love to hear how you find it with them included!
Rosey says
If it doesn’t require many ingredients, doesn’t take too long to make and tastes delicious, you can count me in! It sounds really good. 🙂
Kylie (Author) says
It is amazing! I hope you enjoy preparing the recipe! 🙂
Elizabeth says
This looks like a delicious recipe. It is definitely one I would like to try out myself – the colour is incredible!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Elizabeth! I would love to hear if you enjoy the recipe!