Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? This Spicy Lentil Bean Soup is not just another recipe - it's a magical blend of Indian-inspired flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen bursting with aromatic spices. Packed with protein-rich lentils, hearty kidney beans, and a kick of chili that will make your senses dance, this soup is the perfect comfort food that promises to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris, then set aside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle cumin and chili powder into the pot, stirring to coat the onions and garlic, allowing the spices to bloom and release their essential oils for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Add the drained kidney beans to the pot and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes to heat the beans through and allow flavors to meld.
- Season with salt to taste, adjusting the spice level by adding more chili powder if desired.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils Thoroughly: Always wash lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean and pure flavor.
- Spice Blooming is Key: Take your time when sautéing spices like cumin and chili powder. This process releases their essential oils, intensifying the overall flavor profile of the soup.
- Don't Overcook the Lentils: Aim for tender but not mushy lentils. Check them around the 15-minute mark to prevent turning them into a paste.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili powder to match your spice tolerance. Start conservatively and add more if needed.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Optional Garnish Magic: Elevate your soup with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt for added complexity and freshness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
