Carrot and lentil soup

Carrot and lentil soup

35 min
Let our carrot and lentil soup warm you with its comforting flavours. Each spoonful combines the sweetness of carrots with the wholesome taste of lentils, brightened by orange juice and dill seeds. Perfect for a cosy evening or a relaxed lunch, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a deliciously rich experience. It is the ideal choice for warming up on cold days.
https://arlauk.cmsstage.com/recipes/carrot-and-lentil-soup/

Instructions

  • Cook the lentils according to the instructions on the package.
  • Peel carrots. Thinly slice one of them with a potato peeler. Put the strips in salted, lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
  • Cut the rest of the carrots into pieces.
  • Peel and chop onion and garlic.
  • Sauté the carrots, onions, and dill seeds in butter, add the broth, and cook until soft, approximately 25 minutes.
  • Blend with an immersion blender, add juice and season with salt and black pepper. Heat the lentils in the soup.
  • Fry the carrot strips in oil and serve with the soup.
Enjoy!
Adjust the consistency

To make your soup thinner, stir in extra broth or water until it is just right. If you want it thicker, like a stew, use less liquid than the recipe suggests. This makes it richer and fuller. For more texture, do not blend it completely – leave some chunks for a homemade feel.

Using a slow cooker

You can easily prepare carrot and lentil soup in a slow cooker, which is perfect for those seeking convenience and richly developed flavours. Start by following the initial steps, such as cooking the lentils and sautéing the vegetables with dill seeds. Then, transfer the mixture into the slow cooker, add the vegetable broth, and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. This allows the flavours to blend well, creating a richer and more intense flavour. Before serving, blend the soup until it has the right consistency.

FAQ: Questions about carrot and lentil soup

This carrot and lentil soup may be humble but still packs plenty of flavour. Read our answers to commonly asked questions about it below before you get started with the recipe.

Can I make carrot and lentil soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot and lentil soup in advance. After cooking, allow the soup to cool, then store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat carrot and lentil soup?
Reheat the carrot and lentil soup on the stove over medium heat until it is hot all the way through. Alternatively, microwave it, stirring halfway to ensure it heats evenly. If the soup has become too thick in the refrigerator, it is fine to mix in some more vegetable broth or water until it has the right consistency.
Can I freeze carrot and lentil soup?
You can definitely freeze the carrot and lentil soup. Let it cool down fully, then seal it in a container suitable for freezing. It will keep its flavour for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in your refrigerator overnight. To serve, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until completely hot. Should the soup thicken while stored, just stir in a little vegetable broth or water to get it to the desired consistency.

Ingredients

Beluga lentils or green lentils
100 ml
Carrots
1 kilo
Yellow onion
1
Garlic cloves
3
Dill seeds
½ tbsp
Butter
2 tbsp
Vegetable broth
800 ml
Orange and blood orange juice
200 ml
Salt
Black pepper
Rapeseed oil
200 ml
Other recipes
See more

Embrace the taste of our colourful carrot and lentil soup

Savour the exciting flavours of our colourful carrot and lentil soup. This recipe combines the sweet warmth of carrots with the hearty fullness of lentils, topped off with crunchy carrot strips. It is a simple yet impressive dish that packs each spoonful with rich flavours and satisfying textures. Perfect for a family meal that looks as good as it tastes!

Are you loving the lentils in this recipe? Try our recipes for ham and lentil soup, lentil and vegetable soup, or tomato and lentil soup with croutons. Or maybe you prefer soups with carrots? Check out our carrot and ginger soup and colourful carrot soup.

Refreshing brightness from orange juice and aromatic warmth from dill seeds

The inclusion of both orange juice and dill seeds creates a delightfully fresh, tangy, and earthy flavour. The citrusy notes of the orange and blood orange juice add a subtle sweetness and a refreshing zest that brightens the flavour of the soup. Blood orange, in particular, also contributes a slight raspberry-like undertone that makes the taste a tad bit more intriguing. This complements the natural sweetness of the carrots but also adds a layer of complexity to the earthy tones of the lentils.

The dill seeds introduce a slightly aromatic and grassy element that pairs wonderfully with the more robust flavours of the other ingredients. Their distinctive taste contributes a hint of sharpness, which cuts through the richness of the soup and brings about a pleasing contrast.

Topped with crispy carrot strips

Add a special touch to your carrot and lentil soup with crispy carrot strips. By slicing the carrots thinly, you can place them on top to decorate the soup beautifully. The carrot strips are salted in water and fried in rapeseed oil to turn them golden and enticingly crispy. As they are fried, they caramelise, giving them a pronounced sweetness. This is a simple and easy way to add an impressive finish while keeping the carrots in the spotlight.

Enjoy as a main or starter

Our recipe has been made in such a way that it is perfect whether you are looking for a main dish or a humble meal to start out the evening. With its bright, citrusy notes and earthy freshness, the soup can easily be introduced as a starter. The hearty lentils also add enough flavour and bite to make it stand on its own as a lighter dinner.

Experiment with the recipe

Play around with the recipe and tailor it to your liking. Try swapping the orange juice for lime juice to give the soup a sharper, more zesty flavour. Consider roasting vegetables like sweet red pepper or aubergine and blend them along with the carrots. They provide a smoky sweetness that complements the carrots.

Introduce a Moroccan twist by replacing the dill seeds with a few teaspoons of harissa paste. Harissa paste adds a smoky note and subtle heat that fits perfectly with the earthy sweetness of the carrots. If you enjoy spicier flavours, add chilli flakes, cumin, or fresh chilli.

Arla Foods UK
Arla Foods Ltd
4 Savannah Way
Leeds Valley Park, Leeds, LS10 1AB
Company registration number: 02143253
Call us: 0113 382 7000
Write to us
Other Arla sites
Arla in other countries
Key information
Follow Us
© Arla Foods amba 2024