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hearty lentil beet soup

Red Lentil & Roasted Beet Soup

This vibrant, nutrient-packed soup combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with creamy red lentils for a satisfying meal that's both healthy and delicious. Perfect for cozy evenings, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort using simple pantry staples.
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Course: Appetizer, Soup
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Keyword: Beets, Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 185kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed and soaked
  • 2 medium beets peeled and cubed
  • 1 small red onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes or 1–1.5 cups fresh tomatoes
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped (optional)
  • 4 –5 cups water or vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add cubed beets, red bell pepper (if using), tomatoes, rinsed lentils, bay leaf, and stock or water.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer for 20–30 minutes until beets are tender and lentils are fully cooked.
  • For a smoother consistency, blend partially or mash with a potato masher (optional).
  • Remove bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot with suggested garnishes.

Notes

Soak red lentils for 10-15 minutes before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility
For deeper flavor, roast the cubed beets in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding to the pot
Substitute vegetable stock for water to enhance the soup's richness and depth
Garnish with fresh parsley, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crumbled feta cheese for added flavor and presentation
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop
Add a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness and acidity
For a heartier version, add diced carrots or celery with the onions

Nutrition

Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 680mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g