Caramelized Onion Red Lentil (Printable)

Rich and comforting vegetarian soup with deeply caramelized onions and hearty red lentils, blended with fragrant spices for a warming meal.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 1 stalk celery, diced

→ Lentils & Staples

05 - 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
06 - 6 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 to 1.5 teaspoons salt, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Chopped fresh parsley
15 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook stirring occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
02 - Add garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
03 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
04 - Add rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until lentils and vegetables are completely soft.
05 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend soup based on preferred texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The caramelized onions create an incredible depth of flavor that usually takes hours in restaurant kitchens
  • Red lentils break down naturally, giving the soup a velvety texture without any cream
  • One pot, simple ingredients, and mostly hands-off cooking make this perfect for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Rushing the onion caramelization is the biggest mistake you can make, so turn down the heat and let them take their time
  • Red lentils vary by brand, so check for doneness at 15 minutes to avoid them turning into complete mush
  • The soup continues thickening as it sits, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating leftovers
03 -
  • Use a wide pot for the onions, more surface area means faster and more even caramelization
  • Keep a cup of extra hot broth nearby, the soup thickens considerably as it cools

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