This Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of sweet red peppers and protein-packed lentils makes this soup both filling and healthy. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s ideal for a light lunch or a simple dinner, providing warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.
Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup is a wholesome, vegetable-based soup that features sweet red peppers and tender lentils. The red peppers add a natural sweetness, while the lentils make the soup thick and satisfying. This soup is a wonderful blend of flavors with a rich, creamy texture despite being dairy-free, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Other Popular Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Hairy Bikers Carrot And Coriander Soup
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Packed with protein and fiber: The lentils make this soup hearty and nutritious.
- Naturally sweet: The red peppers provide a natural sweetness that balances the earthy lentils.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: A plant-based, wholesome meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Perfect for meal prep: Freezes well and can be stored for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Red bell peppers (2 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Red lentils (150g): Provides protein, texture, and thickness to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds depth and flavor to the base of the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Carrot (1 medium, chopped): Enhances the sweetness and adds additional nutrients.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup and brings all the flavors together.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds richness and intensifies the flavor of the soup.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Gives the soup a smoky depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or soup pot
- Hand blender or countertop blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the red peppers: Stir in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the spices and tomato paste: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the lentils and stock: Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to the pan. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Blend the soup: Remove the soup from the heat and use a hand blender to blend it until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy, thick soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds extra flavor and complements the soup’s smoky and sweet notes.
- Green salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette lightens the meal and balances the heartiness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A cheesy, crispy sandwich pairs beautifully with this smooth soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a full vegetarian meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Use red lentils: Red lentils cook quickly and break down easily, making them perfect for a smooth, thick soup.
- Roast the peppers: For an extra depth of flavor, you can roast the red peppers in the oven before adding them to the soup.
- Adjust the thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Blend in batches: If using a countertop blender, make sure to blend the soup in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Spicy red pepper and lentil soup: Add a chopped chili or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end for extra creaminess.
- Smoky flavor: Use fire-roasted tomatoes or char the peppers on the grill before adding them to the soup for a smoky flavor.
- Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrients.
- Lemon twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Once cooled, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions to make reheating easier.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup Healthier?
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock to reduce the salt content.
- Reduce the oil: Use less olive oil for sautéing the vegetables to lower the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes.
- Skip the oil: If you want to make the recipe oil-free, sauté the vegetables in a bit of water or vegetable stock instead of olive oil.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 9g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup is a hearty, delicious, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year. With its natural sweetness from the red peppers and the rich, filling texture of the lentils, this soup is a wholesome and flavorful option for lunch or dinner.
Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with goodness.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
- Mary Berry Vegetable Soup
- Delia Smith Leek and Potato Soup
- Mary Berry Leek And Potato Soup
Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup is a wholesome, vegetable-based soup that features sweet red peppers and tender lentils. The red peppers add a natural sweetness, while the lentils make the soup thick and satisfying. This soup is a wonderful blend of flavors with a rich, creamy texture despite being dairy-free, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
- Red bell peppers (2 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Red lentils (150g): Provides protein, texture, and thickness to the soup.
- Onion (1 large, finely chopped): Adds depth and flavor to the base of the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Carrot (1 medium, chopped): Enhances the sweetness and adds additional nutrients.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup and brings all the flavors together.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Adds richness and intensifies the flavor of the soup.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Gives the soup a smoky depth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish.
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the red peppers: Stir in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the spices and tomato paste: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the lentils and stock: Rinse the lentils under cold water and add them to the pan. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Blend the soup: Remove the soup from the heat and use a hand blender to blend it until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
