Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup

When you are looking for a hearty, plant-based soup, this spicy red lentil soup is for you!

Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup

Let’s about this amazing red pepper red lentil soup that’s got a spicy kick to it. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up on a week night! Bruce, like always, made a big batch of this soup for dinner, and we’ve got some extra for lunch throughout the week. Pretty smart move, right?

What’s cool about this red pepper red lentil soup is that it’s totally dairy and meat-free. So, whether you’re a vegan or just looking for something healthy & plant-based, this soup’s got you covered. And let me tell you, the taste is out of this world!

Now, when we serve it up, we like to add a little extra flair. Aleppo pepper oil is our secret! We grab some bread or pita and throw it on the grill. While it’s toasting we make the Aleppo pepper oil. Simply heat up oil to almost smoking point, stir in the aleppo pepper, and remove from the heat. This oil has gives both the soup and the bread a touch of heat!  If you don’t like things hot, sub out the aleppo pepper for paprika or cumin.

 

What are Red Lentils?

Red lentils are a type of legume, and they are a variety of lentils. These lentils are called “red” due to their reddish-orange color, which can vary from pale orange to deep red. They are often used in various cuisines around the world, including Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cooking.

Red lentils are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and quick cooking time compared to other lentil varieties. They are commonly used to make soups, stews, curries, and side dishes. When cooked, red lentils tend to break down and become soft, which makes them ideal for creating creamy and smooth-textured dishes.

One of the advantages of using red lentils is that they don’t require soaking before cooking, and they can be ready to eat in about 15-20 minutes when boiled or simmered. They are also a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, iron, and potassium, making them a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Considered to be a superfood, red lentil showcases astounding amounts of essential vitamins and minerals that your body will be happy to obtain. Due to their high protein and fibre content, incorporating red lentils into your diet is a great way to get all these health benefits.

 

How to store & re-heat Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup:

Cool it Down: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing it. Leaving it out for too long can promote bacterial growth, so don’t let it sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup to airtight containers. Make sure the containers are clean and dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. If you have a large batch, you can use several smaller containers or one large one.

Leave Some Space: Leave a little space at the top of the container to allow for the soup to expand when it freezes (if you’re planning to freeze it) or to avoid spillage if you’re refrigerating it.

Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the containers with the date when you made the soup. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days (typically within 3-4 days), store the soup in the refrigerator. Make sure your fridge is set at or below 40°F (4°C).

Freezing: If you won’t be using the soup within a few days, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen soup can typically be kept for up to 3-4 months.

Thawing: When you’re ready to use the frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir and check for hot spots.

red lentil soup with parsley, grilled sourdough and toasted Aleppo pepper olive oil.

Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup

Let’s talk about this spicy Turkish red lentil soup. Not only is this a simple soup to make, but it is just so tasty. As per usual, Bruce made enough for dinner, and extra for lunch during the week. Total boss move! This soup is dairy and meat free, and so tasty. We love serving it with grilled bread or pita, drizzled with a little extra of the Aleppo pepper oil!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Turkish
Keyword: Chicken Soup, Lentils, Red Lentil, spicy
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 345kcal
Author: Bruce and Dina Miller

Equipment

  • Soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

Ingredients for Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup:

  • 2 Tablespoons vegatable oil
  • 1 Large sweet onion diced small
  • 2 jalapeno peppers seeded and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 5 cloves garlic shredded
  • 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon garlic stock
  • 2 cups red lentils un-cooked
  • ½ cup rice un-cooked
  • 1 tbls ancho chili powder
  • 2 Tablespoons paprika
  • 1 Tablespoons cumin
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 9 cups water

Ingredients for Aleppo pepper oil

  • 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Aleppo pepper

Instructions

Instructions for Spicy Red Lentil Soup:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons vegatable oil in a 7-quart pot. Toss in onions and cook until just starting to brown. Add red pepper and jalapeno. Cook for 1 minute.
    2 Tablespoons vegatable oil, 1 Large sweet onion diced small, 2 jalapeno peppers, 1 red bell pepper
  • Add in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add in tomato paste, better than bouillon, and cook for 30 seconds.
    5 cloves garlic, 3 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon garlic stock
  • Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes.
    ½ cup white wine
  • Add in lentils, rice, ancho powder, paprika, cumin and water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 25 minutes.
    2 cups red lentils, ½ cup rice, 1 tbls ancho chili powder, 2 Tablespoons paprika, 1 Tablespoons cumin, 9 cups water
  • Heat the olive oil in a pan it starts to smoke. Remove from heat and add aleppo pepper. Swirl the pan or stir with a wooden spoon. Oil will turn a dark redish, or even black color. Remove oil from the pan and allow to cool.
    4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tablespoons Aleppo pepper
  • Serve soup in a bowl and drizzle with the pepper oil.

Notes

This goes great with grilled bread or pita.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2374IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More soul-warming soups to try!

 

Dina and Bruce at the Golden Gate Bridge

Hi, we are Bruce and Dina Miller. We love to cook every night. We enjoy making a few healthy dishes, and also comfort food. We love crafting cocktails too! Come take a look, we would love to share our recipes with you.

Comments

  1. Elaine Reply

    5 stars
    We love lentils and spice, great soup Bruce!

    • Dina and Bruce at the Golden Gate Bridge

      Bruce and Dina Miller Reply

      Elaine,

      The Aleppo pepper oil that he makes to go on top is insane! I know you and James will love it!

      Thank you! Stay warm, friends,

      Dina and Bruce

  2. Pingback:Panera 10 Vegetable Soup Recipe - The Perks of Being Us

  3. Pingback:Panera 10 Vegetable Soup Recipe (Copycat) - The Perks of Being Us

  4. Dannii Reply

    5 stars
    This soup was so hearty and comforting. Really easy to make too.

    • Dina and Bruce at the Golden Gate Bridge

      Bruce and Dina Miller Reply

      Danni,

      Thank you. Gonna make some soon with cooler weather coming!

      Dina and Bruce

  5. Charla Reply

    5 stars
    Sounds amazing! I have visions of myself mopping this wonderful soup up with some rustic bread.

  6. Kushigalu Reply

    5 stars
    Love how simple and flavorful this soup recipe is. Thanks for sharing

  7. Andrea Reply

    5 stars
    Warm spices, cozy and comforting, this Turkish red lentil soup is a must this Fall season.

  8. Kristine Reply

    5 stars
    Loved how easy this soup was to make, but it really blew me away with all the flavors. It’s really good, and hearty. I’ll save this recipe, thank you!

    • Dina and Bruce at the Golden Gate Bridge

      Bruce and Dina Miller Reply

      Kristine,

      Thank you. A favorite for the cooler season coming up!

      Dina and Bruce

  9. Lauren Vavala Harris Reply

    5 stars
    I made a few soups to freeze to have all winter and this lentil soup was a new one for me. It is SO good – I ate more than planned ha! Definitely a keeper recipe!

  10. Beth Reply

    5 stars
    I love the hearty flavors of this soup! The earthiness of the lentils is perfect with the peppers. SO GOOD!

  11. Ashley Reply

    5 stars
    What a delicious and filling soup! I’m going to be making this a lot this winter!

  12. Kechi Reply

    5 stars
    Such a hearty soup! I have bookmarked to make over the weekend!

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