This Turkish-inspired red lentil soup is light, warming, and packed with deep, aromatic spices. With the subtle heat of Collected Foods Aleppo Pepper and a bright squeeze of lemon, this soup is bold in flavor yet easy to make. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight meal and comes together in under an hour!
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Rich & hearty – Red lentils create a naturally creamy texture.
✔️ Spiced & aromatic – Featuring Collected Foods Aleppo Pepper and cumin for deep, balanced heat.
✔️ Quick & easy – Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.
✔️ Healthy & protein-packed – A satisfying meatless option with fiber and plant-based protein.
Ingredients:
Serves 4
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of Collected Foods Aleppo Pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 quart chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- Juice of ½ lemon, more to taste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
3️⃣ Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, salt, black pepper, and Collected Foods Aleppo Pepper.
4️⃣ Sauté for 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify in flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
5️⃣ Add the broth, 2 cups of water, lentils, and diced carrot.
6️⃣ Bring to a gentle simmer, then partly cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
7️⃣ Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.
8️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or Aleppo Pepper if needed.
Step 4: Blend & Finish
9️⃣ Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches), purée half the soup and return it to the pot. This creates a texture that’s both smooth and slightly chunky.
🔟 Reheat if necessary, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
🔟 Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with good olive oil.
🔟 Dust with a pinch of chili powder or extra Aleppo Pepper for added warmth.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
📌 Make Ahead: This soup stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
📌 Freeze It: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
📌 Reheat Before Serving: Stir well, and add a little extra broth or water if needed.
Serving Suggestions
✨ Serve with warm pita, naan, or crusty bread for dipping.
✨ Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
✨ Garnish with yogurt or sour cream for a creamier finish.
Why Use Collected Foods Aleppo Pepper?
Our Aleppo Pepper offers fruity, mild heat with hints of sun-dried tomatoes and cumin, making it a perfect addition to soups, stews, and roasted dishes. Unlike regular chili flakes, Aleppo pepper provides complex warmth without overpowering heat.
