Tadka-Infused Yellow Lentil Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-20 · Updated 2026-04-20

A comforting, protein-rich soup featuring yellow lentils tempered with aromatic spices for depth of flavor. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs yellow lentils, medium, diced carrots, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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 yellow lentils
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear, then drain. In a medium pot, combine lentils, diced carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger with 2 cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
2. Step 2: While lentils cook, heat coconut oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add cumin seeds and toast for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly popping. Stir in turmeric powder and cook for 30 seconds until aroma intensifies.
3. Step 3: Add the tempered oil mixture to the lentil pot along with vegetable broth and salt. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
4. Step 4: For creamier texture, blend half the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, then return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors.