Red lentil soup

Red lentil soup is a delicious, healthy, and quick dish to prepare, perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal. This simple recipe will bring a splash of flavor and taste, being ideal for those who appreciate vegan or vegetarian food. With a total preparation time of about 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for 4 servings.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 200 g red lentils (washed and drained)
- 1 liter of water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, for serving
- Optional: fresh parsley or coriander leaves for garnish

Preparing red lentil soup:

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Chop the onion, crush the garlic, and dice the carrot. This step will add a flavorful base to your soup.

2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, letting them sauté for about 1 minute until they become translucent. Be careful not to burn them, as the bitter flavor will affect the final taste of the soup.

3. Add the diced carrot and mix well. Let the vegetables sauté for 2-3 minutes so they can release their flavors.

4. The next step is to add the spices. Sprinkle the cumin seeds and ground coriander over the vegetables. These spices will give the soup an exotic flavor. Mix well to combine the flavors.

5. Incorporate the washed red lentils and mix again. They will absorb the flavors from the pot and contribute to the creamy texture of the soup.

6. Pour water or vegetable broth over the mixture in the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.

7. Once the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until you achieve a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in smaller portions to a regular blender, being careful not to burn yourself.

8. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a splash of acidity, you can add a few drops of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, which will balance the flavors.

9. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley or coriander leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers, to diversify the soup.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, add some diced potatoes or pumpkin.
- Ideal for meal prep, red lentil soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later consumption.

This red lentil soup is not only a healthy choice but also a true treat for the taste buds. Enjoy it alongside a slice of toasted bread or flavored croutons for a delicious and comforting lunch!

 Ingredients: one suitable onion, finely chopped, two cloves of garlic, one grated carrot, 350 grams of well-washed and drained red lentils, 1.5 liters of soup, a teaspoon of cumin and coriander, salt, pepper (optional), a teaspoon of broth, lemon.