Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

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Ready in only 30 minutes, this turmeric ginger red lentil soup is everyone's favorite. This is a healthy and hearty soup recipe that's full of flavor!

Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (1)

My readers probably know by now that I'm a big fan of easy soup recipes, especially ones that are made with lentils. Give me a bowl of Mediterranean green lentil soup, instant pot lentil soup, Moroccan red lentil soup or Turkish red lentil soup and I'm happy! This red lentil soup recipe is another staple in our home. It's full of aromatic and tasty spices!

Table Of Contents:
  • About this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to make this soup in instant pot
  • Notes and tips
  • More soup recipes
  • Step-by-Step Recipe

About this recipe

Nothing beats a delicious creamy lentil soup when you're craving comfort food. It's easy and can be ready in only 30 minutes.

This recipe is all about spices and flavors. The combination of garlic, ginger and spicesadd a lot of flavor to the soup. Red lentils don't have much flavor on their own, but they have an amazing creamy texture once cooked that nicely complements the warm flavors.

Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Olive oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for cooking. The fruitiness and earthiness of a good quality olive oil enhances the flavor of simple ingredients.

Onion, garlic and ginger: Every delicious dish starts with sauteing onion and garlic in some olive oil. Don't be shy when it comes to using garlic: the more the merrier! As for ginger, you can use freshly grated ginger or ginger powder.

Pro tip:Keep some ginger in the freezer and simply grate it when you need it for a recipe.

Red lentils: Red lentils come with many benefits. They lower cholesterol and help with digestion. You can find red lentils at almost any supermarket. They are small, and when cooked, they fall apart and become very creamy. Not only they're great for soup, but you can also make other dishes such as vegan lentil meatballs using red lentils.

Spices: Cumin, turmeric, paprika and salt are the spices used in this recipe. If you like spicy soups, you can add a bit of cayenne pepper.

Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (3)

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic and ginger until the onion is translucent and golden.
  • Add cumin, turmeric, and paprika and salt to the ingredients you just sautéed. Stir to combine so the spices start releasing their aromas. Next, add in the red lentils and stir for one minute.
Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (4)
  • Add in the water or vegetable stock and bring the soup to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are creamy and fully cooked.
  • Right before serving this red lentil soup, add a squeeze of lemon juice and give it a nice stir. Lemon juice gives this soup some brightness and fresh flavor.
Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to blend this soup?

I didn't blend this turmeric ginger lentil soup after cooking but you can of course blend it with an immersion blender (or, for that matter, in a standard blender) if you want an even smoother soup.

What is the difference between red lentils and green lentils?

Red lentils turn yellow when they're cooked and they get very very soft whereas green lentils hold their shape and stay green/light brown once they're cooked.

How long does red lentil soup keep?

You can make a big batch of this soup and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, transfer the soup to a sauce pan, add ⅓ cup water and simmer over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.

How can I freeze this soup?

Store the soup in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply transfer the frozen soup to a sauce pan or a pot and add ½ to 1 cup water. Simmer over medium low until the soup is completely heated through.

How to make this soup in instant pot

It's very easy to make red lentil soup in instant pot:

  • Press the sauté function and sauté onion, garlic and ginger until translucent.
  • Add in spices and stir well to combine.
  • Stir in lentils and add 4-5 cups of water to the pot.
  • Lock the lid and press pressure cook and set the valve to seal and set the timer for 10 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time ends, turn the valve to venting and do a quick release and serve.
Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (6)

Notes and tips

  • A small amount of turmeric goes a long way so you want to make sure you don't overuse it - otherwise the dish will be overpowering.
  • For a creamier texture, blend the soup in a blender on high for 3 minutes.
  • If fresh ginger is not available, you can use 1 teaspoon ginger powder.
  • If you like this red lentil soup to be spicy, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the soup at the end.
  • Red lentils absorb a lot of water; if the soups starts to be very thick, add in half a cup of water at a time.
  • You can also make this delicious red lentil soup with vegetable broth.

More soup recipes

  • Easy French Onion Soup Recipe
  • Lemon Chicken And Rice Soup Recipe
  • Ful Medames Recipe (Egyptian Fava Beans)
  • Perfect White Bean Soup Recipe

Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

Step-by-Step Recipe

Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (11)

Turmeric Red Lentil Soup Recipe

Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ready in only 30 minutes, this turmeric ginger red lentil soup is everyone's favorite. This is a healthy and hearty soup recipe that's full of flavor!

4.65 from 74 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 413 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 2 Onions Diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 teaspoon Ginger
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 cup Red Lentils
  • 6-7 cups Water or broth
  • 2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a largepot over medium heat.

  • Saute onion until translucent. Add in garlic and ginger and give it a nice stir.

  • Add in turmeric , cumin and paprika. Saute for two minutes until the spices release their aromas.

  • Add in red lentils, stir for a minute.

  • Add in the water and turn the heat up so the soup starts simmering. Lower the heat, cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked. Add in salt to taste.

  • Serve warm.

Notes

  • A small amount of turmeric goes a long way so you want to make sure you don't overuse it - otherwise the dish will be overpowering.
  • For a creamier texture, blend the soup in a blender on high for 3 minutes.
  • If fresh ginger is not available, you can use 1 teaspoon ginger powder.
  • If you like this red lentil soup to be spicy, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the soup at the end.
  • Red lentils absorb a lot of water; if the soups starts to be very thick, add in half a cup of water at a time.
  • You can also make this delicious red lentil soup with vegetable broth.
  • Red lentils absorb a lot of water, if the soup is too thick, add another half a cup of water.

Nutrition

Calories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 24gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 1190mgPotassium: 996mgFiber: 29gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 289IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 87mgIron: 8mg

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. nelson rodriguez

    El resultado fue magnífico. Agradezco a Unicorns in the kitchen esta deliciosa receta. Seguiré cocinando con ustedes.
    NERG

    Reply

  2. Gina M

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (16)
    Not only is this soup easy to make but also insanely tasty! Always enjoy this anytime I make it!

    Reply

  3. Allison

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (17)
    This was so flavorful! I served it with a green salad and it was the perfect meal!

    Reply

  4. Milhouse

    We double the garlic, ginger, and cumin, and use six cups of water. Comes out great!!

    Reply

  5. barbara

    is that dried or fresh ginger?

    Reply

    • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

      Fresh ginger is preferred.

      Reply

  6. Missy

    Is it okay to soak the red lentils prior to cooking them?

    Reply

    • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

      They cook in 20 minutes there is no need to soak them 🙂

      Reply

  7. Beth

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (18)
    Healthy, flavorful and ready in 30 minutes? Sign me up! Perfect dish that the whole family will love!

    Reply

  8. Sara Welch

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (19)
    I love soup season for recipes just like this one! Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So hearty and flavorful; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Reply

  9. Seema Sriram

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (20)
    We loved this soup. It was so soothing, filling and did we did not crave for the midnight snack. This will permanently be on the menu for ever.

    Reply

  10. Heather Johnson

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (21)
    so delicious - comforting yummy soup - love it!

    Reply

  11. Angela

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (22)
    Love this soup! It's so healthy and easy to make. I even like eating it cold. Thanks for the awesome recipe... I'll be making this all fall!

    Reply

  12. Kristen Wood

    Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (23)
    This was so hearty and filling! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!!

    Reply

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Turmeric Ginger Red Lentil Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Does turmeric add flavor to soup? ›

This version is made even better thanks to the addition of turmeric, which is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. The spice adds both an additional healthy kick to every bite as well as a soft, earthy flavor that just feels like it's warming the body from the inside-out.

Should lentils be soaked before making soup? ›

The other good news: Lentils don't need to soak as beans do (though you do need to sort and rinse them before cooking). Different types of lentils cook in different amounts of time. Red lentils are the fastest cooking and they dissolve as they cook and make for a smooth soup.

What are the benefits of turmeric soup? ›

Heart Health: It may improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels, reducing the risk of heart diseases. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that turmeric may help prevent and treat cancer. Digestive Health: It aids digestion and can relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Is lentil soup good for your stomach? ›

Support your digestive system

Lentils are rich in a type of fiber that helps your digestive system work as it should and fuels good bacteria in your gut. Fiber may also help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. “Fiber plays an important role in regulating our bowels and protecting the immune system,” says Homan.

Can you put too much turmeric in soup? ›

Although turmeric can be used by itself, the best thought is always to use it as a background to other flavours: if you find you have added too much and created unwanted bitterness, counteract this with lime or lemon juice rather than with any sweetness.

Who should not take turmeric? ›

Although it is safe to eat foods with turmeric, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take turmeric supplements. Because turmeric may act like a blood thinner, you should stop taking it at least 2 weeks before surgery. Tell your doctor and surgeon that you have been taking turmeric.

What happens if you don't soak red lentils? ›

No, there is no need to soak red lentils before cooking but it is a good idea to give them a quick rinse.

Which color lentils are best for soup? ›

With their hues ranging from yellow to orange to red, red lentils make the perfect velvety base for soups, curries, and dals. These lentils may lose their shape during cooking, but they offer a delicate texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Can you overcook lentils in soup? ›

Yes, you can overcook lentils; they will become mushy. Much depends on the type of lentil you're using. Some cook quicker and hold their shape better than others. To avoid overcooking them, always follow the cooking directions in your recipe and use the type of lentils called for in the ingredient list.

Can I mix garlic, ginger, and turmeric together? ›

Adding turmeric, ginger, and garlic to your diet or taking it as a tea help keep your immune system healthy. It contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

Is 1 teaspoon of turmeric a day enough? ›

Daily Dosage of Turmeric

Here are a few helpful tips to get you started. Sayer uses 1/2 - 1.5 teaspoons per day of the dried root powder, certified organic. A typical dose of supplemental curcumin is about 250mg per day, and often increased when dealing with a condition.

What happens to your body when you start taking turmeric? ›

Turmeric usually doesn't cause serious side effects. Some people can experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. These side effects are more common at higher doses. When applied to the skin: Turmeric is likely safe.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

What are the benefits of red lentil soup? ›

Soluble fiber found in red lentils binds to “bad” cholesterol and helps our body excrete it through bile acids. This helps to lower our cholesterol, which helps keep our heart healthy by reducing the risk for Atherosclerotic plaque. (That's the plaque that builds up in your arteries and raises your blood pressure!)

Is lentil soup OK for kidneys? ›

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based kidney friendly protein, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whether used in a soup, salad, or main dish, lentils are a hearty, healthy addition to any meal. Buy lentils in dried, canned, or frozen forms.

Does turmeric change the flavor of food? ›

Turmeric Adds Flavor

Primarily, turmeric is a popular ingredient that many people incorporate into their dishes. This ingredient's potent spice and bitterness contribute unique tasting notes any food.

What can I add to my soup to make it tastier? ›

1. Fresh herbs: Add a combination of fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, or dill to enhance the soup's aroma and flavor. 2. Aromatics: Sauté aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery in the beginning stages of cooking to build a flavorful base for the soup.

What seasoning makes soup taste better? ›

"Ground paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, ground ginger, and other powdered spices add a touch of color and spiciness to broths," she says. As a general rule, use fresh herbs at or near the end of cooking and dried herbs and spices early on. This helps you get the flavors you're looking for in the right balance.

What does turmeric add to taste? ›

Flavor-wise, it is overwhelmingly earthy and bitter, almost musky, with a bit of peppery spice. That deep, kind of implacable flavor in most curry powders? Yep: That's turmeric. And while the flavor turmeric offers is huge, its color is just as remarkable.

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