For a nutritious, hearty, and comforting meal, Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is an excellent choice. This soup combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the richness of red lentils, creating a flavorful and creamy dish that’s both filling and healthy. It’s the perfect option for a light lunch or dinner, packed with protein and fiber, and can be prepared quickly and easily.
What is Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup?
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is a creamy, wholesome soup that blends carrots and red lentils with aromatic spices and vegetable stock. Red lentils not only add a rich texture but also provide protein, making this soup a filling, plant-based meal. The combination of tender carrots and lentils creates a flavorful dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Other Popular Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Ginger Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Coriander Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- High in protein and fiber: The red lentils add protein and fiber, making this soup both nutritious and filling.
- Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples that are easy to find.
- Vegan-friendly: Naturally plant-based and perfect for a healthy meal.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients while delivering big flavors.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 500g (17 oz) carrots – peeled and chopped.
- 150g (5 oz) red lentils – rinsed.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp ground coriander – complements the carrots and lentils.
- 1.5 liters (50 fl oz) vegetable stock – for the base of the soup.
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional) – adds color and extra warmth.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large pot – for cooking the soup.
- Blender or immersion blender – to puree the soup.
- Knife and chopping board – to prepare the vegetables.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
Step 1: Sauté the onion and garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the carrots and spices
- Stir in the chopped carrots, ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric (if using), and cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Step 3: Add the red lentils and stock
- Pour in the rinsed red lentils and vegetable stock, making sure the vegetables and lentils are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Blend the soup
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in batches, ensuring not to overfill the blender.
Step 5: Season and serve
- Once blended, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors.
- Garlic bread: Adds a delicious contrast to the smooth soup.
- Green salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing pairs well with the warmth of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A heartier option that makes this soup a complete meal.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Rinse the lentils well: Red lentils cook quickly but can become mushy if not rinsed properly, so give them a good rinse before adding them to the soup.
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cumin and coriander enhance the flavor of the soup, giving it a vibrant, aromatic taste.
- Blend in batches: If using a regular blender, blend the soup in small batches to avoid splattering and ensure smooth results.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream after blending.
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh coriander or parsley brightens the soup and adds a pop of color.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or fresh ginger for a bit of heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt for a creamier texture.
- Herb swap: Replace fresh coriander with parsley, basil, or dill for a different herbal note.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Lemon twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Mason jars: Portion the soup into mason jars for convenient grab-and-go meals.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a little water or stock if the soup thickens too much in storage.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Healthier?
- Use less oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil for sautéing to cut back on fat.
- Skip the cream: Leave out any added cream or coconut milk to keep the soup lower in calories and fat.
- Add greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or Swiss chard for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock to keep the soup heart-healthy.
- Boost fiber: Add extra lentils or beans to increase the fiber content and make the soup even more filling.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 8g
FAQs
Can I freeze carrot and red lentil soup?
Yes, Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup freeze very well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I thicken carrot and red lentil soup?
To thicken Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup, you can simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, adding an extra handful of red lentils will naturally thicken the soup as it cooks and break down.
Can I use green lentils instead of red lentils in this soup?
While you can use green lentils in Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup, red lentils are preferred because they cook faster and break down into a smoother texture. Green lentils take longer to cook and hold their shape more, which will result in a chunkier soup.
What can I serve with carrot and red lentil soup?
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup pair well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or with a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy meal. The combination of carrots and lentils creates a creamy texture with a delicious balance of sweetness and spice.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup
- Hairy Bikers Carrot And Coriander Soup
- Mary Berry Vegetable Soup
- Delia Smith Leek and Potato Soup
Jamie Oliver Carrot And Red Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup is a creamy, wholesome soup that blends carrots and red lentils with aromatic spices and vegetable stock. Red lentils not only add a rich texture but also provide protein, making this soup a filling, plant-based meal. The combination of tender carrots and lentils creates a flavorful dish that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced.
- 500g (17 oz) carrots – peeled and chopped.
- 150g (5 oz) red lentils – rinsed.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 tsp ground coriander – complements the carrots and lentils.
- 1.5 liters (50 fl oz) vegetable stock – for the base of the soup.
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional) – adds color and extra warmth.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the onion and garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the carrots and spices
- Stir in the chopped carrots, ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric (if using), and cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Step 3: Add the red lentils and stock
- Pour in the rinsed red lentils and vegetable stock, making sure the vegetables and lentils are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Blend the soup
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully blend the soup in batches, ensuring not to overfill the blender.
Step 5: Season and serve
- Once blended, taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the Jamie Oliver Carrot and Red Lentil Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side.
