#Post Title: Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup- A bowl full of Holiday Warmth
##Introduction
As the temperature takes a dip, wouldn’t it be wonderful to wrap your hands around a warm, comforting bowl of soup? Enter our Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup. This flavorful dish, brimming with hearty lentils, wholesome carrots, and a blend of holiday spices, is an amazing addition to your holiday menu. It not only warms your body but also your soul.
##Why Make This Recipe
This soup is a power-packed, nutritious dish—it’s high in fiber, vitamins, and proteins. Its beautiful vibrant color, enticing aroma from the spices, and the mouth-watering taste is a treat for all your senses. Plus, it’s a cinch to make, perfect for a hassle-free holiday meal.
##How to Make Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup
###Ingredients :
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups diced carrots
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 cup dried red or green lentils
6 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley, for garnish
###Directions :
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and diced carrots; cook for another 3 minutes until carrots begin to soften.
3. Add ground cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, stirring frequently until spices are fragrant.
4. Pour in lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, covering the pot with a lid. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and carrots are tender.
6. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
##How to Serve Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a piece of crusty bread which balances the soft texture of the soup and adds a nice crunch.
##How to Store Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup
Cool the soup and store it in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.
##Tips to Make Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup
1. Rinse the lentils well before cooking.
2. Adjust the spices according to your taste.
3. Always taste and adjust the seasonings at the end, as the flavors concentrate upon cooking.
##Variations
Swap out the red lentils with green or brown lentils for a slightly different flavor profile.
Use any form of stock- chicken, beef, or even bone broth adds different dimensions to the flavor of the soup.
##FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned lentils?
A: Yes, you can. Canned lentils are pre-cooked and just need to be thoroughly heated up, so the cooking time will be lesser.
Q2: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing.
Q3: What can I serve with this soup?
A: A side of festive holiday salad or some toasted bread would pair well with this soup.
Enjoy the culinary bliss in every spoonful of the Holiday Spiced Lentil and Carrot Soup and stay warm and cozy this holiday season.