Cozy Spiced Carrot And Lentil Soup With Feta Crumble Recipe

Comfort mingles with unexpected zest in this spiced carrot and lentil soup that promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Warm, aromatic notes dance through each spoonful, inviting curiosity about its rich ingredients.

Earthy lentils provide a hearty foundation for sweet, roasted carrots.

Fragrant spices whisper complex layers of flavor, creating a symphony in your bowl.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with the crisp, tangy feta crumble topping.

Mediterranean influences shine through this nourishing dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Pairing Suggestions for Carrot Lentil Soup

• Harmonize Hearty Warmth: Pair this spiced carrot and lentil soup with a crisp, mineral-driven white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and complement its herbal notes.
• Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or whole grain bread, toasted and drizzled with olive oil, to provide a delightful textural contrast and absorb the soup's vibrant flavors.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Accompany the dish with a simple Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives to echo the feta's tanginess and enhance the soup's Middle Eastern-inspired spices.
• Refreshing Finish: Add a dollop of cool yogurt or labneh on top to balance the soup's warmth and provide a creamy counterpoint to the spiced, earthy lentil base.

Proper Storage for Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.

Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until soup reaches 165°F. Add splash of broth if too thick.

Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of this soup?

This soup is packed with nutrients from carrots, rich in beta-carotene, and lentils, which provide protein and fiber. The spices like cumin and coriander offer anti-inflammatory properties, making it a nutritious and healing meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese for a vegan version. Use vegetable broth and coconut milk to keep it plant-based while maintaining a creamy texture and delicious flavor.

• How spicy is this soup with the cayenne pepper?

The cayenne adds a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch and adjust to your preference. You can always add more or reduce the amount.

Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup with Feta Crumble

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich lentils and vitamin-packed carrots, this soup delivers a serious health punch in every spoonful.
• Spice Up Your Comfort: Warming spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne transform this simple soup into a flavor-packed adventure that tingles your taste buds.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Create a complete meal using just one pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your personal taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Spiced Carrot Lentil Soup

• Olive Oil: A flavorful cooking fat that helps sauté the onions and develop rich flavors.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and deep flavor to the base of the soup.

• Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Cayenne: Create a warm, complex spice blend that enhances the soup's depth and provides a subtle heat.

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetables that give the soup its vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• Lentils: Protein-rich legumes that add texture and substance to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that helps cook the vegetables and lentils.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Coconut Milk or Cream: Adds a creamy, smooth texture and subtle richness to the soup.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, acidic note that lifts the flavors.

• Feta Cheese, Fresh Herbs: Provide a tangy, fresh contrast to the warm, spiced soup.

How to Cook Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.

Step 2: Awaken the Spices

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Cayenne

Stir and cook for a minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Carrots
• Lentils
• Broth
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the ingredients to start melding together.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the carrots and lentils become wonderfully tender and soft.

Step 5: Create a Silky Smooth Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a creamy, smooth consistency. If using a standard blender, carefully puree the soup in batches.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Stir in coconut milk or cream for extra richness. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and scatter fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Flavorful Lentil Soup Every Time

• Toasting spices briefly before adding liquid intensifies their flavors, creating a more complex and aromatic soup base.
• Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for smoother texture and easier cleanup, avoiding transferring hot soup between containers.
• Replace feta with nutritional yeast or roasted nuts for a similar salty, tangy crunch that keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Leave some lentils partially whole for added texture, or blend completely for a silky smooth soup experience.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors develop overnight for maximum deliciousness.

Variations on Carrot Lentil Soup with Feta

• Moroccan Spice Boost: Replace ground spices with ras el hanout blend for authentic North African flavor profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Remix: Roast carrots and onions before adding to soup for deeper caramelized undertones.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add shredded chicken or crispy chickpeas on top for extra protein and texture.
• Vegan Creamy Option: Swap feta with cashew cream and use vegetable broth for a completely plant-based version.

Spiced Carrot And Lentil Soup With Feta Crumble Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Warming Spiced Carrot and Lentil Soup with Feta Crumble blends Mediterranean flavors into a comforting bowl of goodness. Fragrant spices and creamy lentils mingle with sweet carrots, topped with a salty feta crumble that invites you to savor each delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth

Spices and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) coconut milk or heavy cream (optional)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium heat, gently transforming onions into a translucent, softened state.
2. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices – cumin, coriander, paprika, and cayenne – allowing them to bloom and release their intense fragrances for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate diced carrots, hearty lentils, rich vegetable broth, and a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper, then elevate the temperature until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, secure the pot with a lid, and allow the ingredients to meld and soften for 20-25 minutes, ensuring carrots and lentils reach a tender consistency.
5. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a velvety smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a standard blender for puréeing.
6. Enrich the soup with a luxurious splash of coconut milk or cream, then brighten with a zesty squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Taste and recalibrate seasonings as needed for optimal flavor balance.
7. Present the soup piping hot, artfully garnished with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh, vibrant herbs for a final flourish of color and taste.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s warmth by toasting whole spices before grinding for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Swap coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative that keeps the soup creamy and lighter.
• For a vegan version, replace feta with nutritional yeast or roasted pumpkin seeds to maintain a savory, crunchy topping.
• Prep ingredients in advance and freeze the soup base for quick, nutritious meals during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 168 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg