This Spicy Lentil Soup with Garlic Croutons is one of the easiest soups to make on a cold day (or any day for that matter!). Just literally throw everything into pan, cook and blend.
The ingredients are also things you should have hanging around at home; nothing complicated or expensive. It’s a great one to have if you are running low on veggies but still want something nutritious.
Nutritional highlights:
Red lentils are low in calories but really pack a big nutritional punch. They are a good source of plant-based protein and are packed with fibre. This means they are great for your digestive health and for keeping you feel fuller for longer.
Just the soup with no croutons gives you nearly 9g of fibre per portion. They are also high in iron as well as magnesium and potassium, so great if your energy needs a boost.
What are ingredients for spicy lentil soup with garlic croutons:
- Red lentils
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chilli
- Dried herbs and spices
- Chopped tomatoes
- Vegetable stock
- Bread
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to make easy croutons
Making your own croutons is a great way to use up any old bread you have lying around.
These garlic croutons are super easy to make. You can use any bread for this. Simply cut into chunks and toss in a little oil, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Then you just put in the oven whilst the soup is cooking.
They can be made in the air-fryer too.
Storage & Shelf Life
This soup freezes very well and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
It will also keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, if you want to make a big batch for easy lunches.
Recipe Tips
- Oil free options: You can make the soup oil free, if this is something you are monitoring. Just sauté the onions in water instead.
- Add more stock: The soup thickens the longer you leave it. If you are cooking in advance and reheating, you may want to add more stock
- Add protein: If you are cooking for a crowd or just want to add some extra protein, add in some chickpeas or beans – either before you blend or afterwards – up to you.
If you enjoyed with Spicy Lentil Soup with Garlic Croutons, why not try:
Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
Spicy Lentil Soup with Garlic Croutons
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients for the soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ red chilli
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp dried dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes (14oz)
- 400 g dried red lentils rinsed (2 cups)
- 2 litres veg stock (8 cups)
- Extra salt and pepper to taste
Crouton ingredients:
- 3-4 slices of stale bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- Few grinds of black pepper
Instructions
- Chop the onion, garlic and chilli. Heat up the oil in a large pan and add the chopped onion and salt and sauté for 7-8 mins. Add the garlic and chill for the last 2-3 mins.
- Add all the spices and dried herbs and cook for another minute or two. Add the stock, tomatoes and lentils and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 25 minutes then season to taste.
- Whilst the soup is cooking cut the bread into chunks. Mix the bread with all the other ingredients and roast for 7-8 mins at 180C/350F, giving them a shake half way through
- Once the soup is cooked, blend until smooth (I just use a stick blender for this). Top with the croutons and some herbs, if you like.
Notes
- The nutritional information is just for the soup without the croutons
- The soup also thickens the longer you leave. You may want to add more stock (if you are cooking in advance and reheating).
- This soup freezes very well and will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- It will also keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, if you want to make a big batch for easy lunches.
- If you are cooking for a crowd or just want to add some extra protein, you can add in some chickpeas or beans – either before you blend or afterwards.
Just made this soup – it was delicious. Thank you.
Amazing! Glad you liked it.