The Ultimate One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup: A Quick and Healthy Meal for Busy Families

Hello there! It’s Clara from Cooking Inspired, and I know how challenging it can be to juggle everything life throws our way while still trying to put a nourishing meal on the table. That’s why I’m so excited to share this One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer for those busy weeknights.

In just about 30 minutes, you can have a pot of this delicious, healthy soup bubbling away, filling your kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas. This One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, and it’s so simple to make that even the busiest among us can pull it off!

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, meaning more time for you.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber to nourish your body.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of carrots, sweet potatoes, apple, and lentils creates a symphony of flavors that even picky eaters will love. For another warming and healthy lentil soup, check out our turmeric version.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Immersion blender (I swear by this immersion blender)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients for Your Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

• 4 tbs vegetable shortening (or olive oil)
• 1 large white onion, (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic, (sliced)
• 1 tbs ginger paste ((or fresh grated))
• 1 lb carrots, (peeled + diced)
• 1½ lbs sweet potatoes, (peeled + diced)
• 1 cup red lentils, (rinsed)
• 8 cups low sodium chicken broth ((or vegetable broth))
• salt (to taste)
• 1 apple ((Fuji or Honey crisp))
• 2 tbs honey ((or maple syrup))

How to Make One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In one pot, melt your vegetable shortening (or heat your olive oil) on medium. Add in the onions and saute until transluscent – about 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add in the carrots, sweet potatoes and toss all to coat.
3. Add in the lentils, broth and salt to taste and raise heat to bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot for 20-25 minutes (until the potatoes are fork tender).
4. Add in the apple and honey and proceed to use a hand emersion blender to puree the soup. If you dont have a had immersion blender simply use a food processor or regular blender to puree the soup in batches.
5. Garnish with more honey, paprika, parsley and cayenne if using.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Substitution/Variation	Ingredient	Impact
Vegan	Vegetable shortening	Olive oil or other plant-based oil
Vegan	Chicken Broth	Vegetable Broth
Vegan	Honey	Maple Syrup
Spicy	Add chili	Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the pot while sautéing the vegetables.
Lentil Type	Red Lentils	Green or Brown Lentils (increase cook time by 10-15 minutes)
Yogurt Topping	Plain Yogurt	Coconut Milk

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the lentils, which can make the soup mushy. Be sure to simmer the soup gently and check the potatoes for tenderness after about 20 minutes. Another common pitfall is burning the garlic; it’s best to add it after the onions have softened and cook it briefly to prevent it from becoming bitter.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time on busy days, you can chop the vegetables up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also rinse the lentils ahead of time and store them in a separate container. For more easy weeknight dinner ideas, explore other recipes that can be prepped in advance.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy carrot lentil soup is wonderful on its own, but it’s even better when paired with crusty bread for dipping. I also love serving it with a simple side salad, or a dollop of yogurt for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor.

Storing Your Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup

To store the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave a little space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Is One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup Healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. Carrots and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. The low sodium chicken broth provides essential minerals, and the apple adds a touch of natural sweetness along with additional vitamins. As a busy mom, I always want to be sure my family is getting enough nutrients, and this soup is a fantastic way to do just that! For another hearty meal packed with lentils and ground beef, our ultimate chili recipe is a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 15g

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Carrot Lentil Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to nourish yourself and your loved ones on a busy weeknight. I hope this becomes a staple in your home, just as it has in mine.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite soup recipes for busy weeknights? Have you tried this recipe? Share your experiences, ask questions, or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!