One-Pot Red Lentil Soup: Easy & Healthy Recipe

Updated at: 02/01/2025

Craving a hearty, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further than this one-pot red lentil soup! This vibrant and nutritious soup is packed with protein-rich red lentils, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and warming spices, making it the perfect comfort food for any chilly evening. It's surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal chopping and cleanup, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results. The beautiful ruby-red color is just the beginning; the taste is deeply satisfying and subtly complex.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a satisfying weekend lunch. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and adapt to your taste. Ready to dive in and create a bowl of deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Spoon

Ingredients

  • Red lentils: 1 cup
  • Bell pepper: 1 (medium, any color)
  • Onion: 1 (medium)
  • Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Kashmiri chili powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Sauté Aromatics

  • Chop the onion and bell pepper.
  • Heat oil in a pot. Add onions and saute.
  • Add bell pepper and saute until slightly softened.
Chop the onion and bell pepper.Heat oil in a pot. Add onions and saute.Add bell pepper and saute until slightly softened.
Sauté Aromatics

Step 2. Combine Ingredients & Boil

  • Add red lentils, water, oregano, salt, black pepper powder, and Kashmiri chili powder.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Add red lentils, water, oregano, salt, black pepper powder, and Kashmiri chili powder.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Combine Ingredients & Boil

Step 3. Simmer Lentils

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
Simmer Lentils

Step 4. Season & Serve

  • Adjust seasonings as needed.

Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe

Tips

  • Use any type of bell pepper you prefer.
  • For a smoother soup, blend it with an immersion blender before serving.
  • Add other vegetables as desired.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of lentils?

While red lentils work best for this creamy soup due to their quick cooking time, you can experiment with brown or green lentils. Just be aware they'll require a longer cooking time.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


This one-pot red lentil soup is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal as a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, knowing you've created something both flavorful and good for you. Happy cooking!