Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander
A hearty, warming lentil soup infused with apple sweetness and aromatic cumin and coriander spices. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, medium apple, peeled and diced, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed red lentils
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced carrot
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced carrot, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp ground coriander, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 medium peeled and diced apple, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency, leaving some texture.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, if using. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spiced Apple and Lentil Soup with Cumin and Coriander vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
