This red lentil soup is simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Made with red lentils and a handful of vegetables, it’s blended until silky smooth, then finished with a warm, spiced butter drizzle.
Why You’ll Love This Red Lentil Soup
I’ve really been craving meals like this red lentil soup lately. The kind that feels comforting and wholesome, hearty without being heavy, full of plant-based protein and fiber, and incredibly cozy for cooler days! Unlike my Mediterranean lentil soup that’s chunky and brothy, this version is blended and ultra-smooth. It’s inspired by the Turkish red lentil soup, Mercimek Çorbası, which I can’t wait to enjoy on my upcoming trip to Turkey! This soup is drizzled with the same Aleppo pepper sauce as my Turkish eggs, and its one of my favorite parts about this recipe. You’ll also love that this red lentil soup is:
- Incredibly easy. Aside from the quick Aleppo pepper butter, everything comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly. This is a fridge and pantry staple kind of soup that’s big on flavor without being expensive.
- A great vegetarian meal. Between the veggies and protein-packed lentils, it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a vegetarian soup recipe.
Red Lentil Soup Ingredients
- Vegetables: A simple blend of onion, carrots, and a Yukon Gold potato forms the cozy, hearty base of the soup.
- Tomato paste and garlic: Just a little of each adds depth and richness.
- Seasoning: You’ll need paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Red lentils: I’ll show you how to cook lentils perfectly! But the good news is that you’ll be blending them, so no need to worry if they get slightly mushy.
- Vegetable Broth: I’ve linked my favorite brand in the recipe card.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon adds brightness at the end—a must in my opinion!
- Aleppo pepper sauce: The best mix of butter (or olive oil) and Aleppo pepper. I linked the one I’m using in the recipe card!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below
How To Make Red Lentil Soup
Step one: Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they’ve softened. Then, toss in the diced potato and let that cook for another couple of minutes. This combo builds the perfect veggie base.
Step two: Add the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for about 30 seconds. You’re just waking up the spices here, so don’t walk away.
Step three: Pour in the lentils and broth, bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils and potatoes are very soft and basically falling apart.
Step four: Use an immersion blender and blend the soup until silky smooth. Turkish-style lentil soup is usually blended completely, but feel free to leave a little texture if that’s more your thing.
Make the Aleppo pepper butter. While the soup finishes, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the Aleppo pepper and stir for about 20 to 30 seconds, just until fragrant. It should smell warm and buttery, not burnt, so keep the heat low. Then, ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with the Aleppo pepper butter, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Storage Tips
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. I also love freezing it in individual portions so I can thaw just what I need. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer!
More Soup Recipes
- Classic Tomato Soup: One of my all-time favorites!
- Black Bean Soup: Hearty with spiced flavor.
- Potato Leek Soup: So light yet creamy.
- Carrot Ginger Soup: The best all-around healthy soup.
- Or give these other vegetarian recipes or Mediterranean recipes a try!
If you try this red lentil soup recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Red Lentil Soup
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium potato (Yukon gold), peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- plus lemon wedges, for serving
Aleppo Pepper Drizzle
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Add the diced potato and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Add the spices. Add the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Simmer the lentils. Add the lentils and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils and potatoes are very soft.
- Blend. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. (Note: Turkish home cooks usually blend it completely, though you can make it as smooth or textured as you'd like).
- Make the pepper butter. In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the Aleppo pepper and stir for 20 to 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with the pepper butter, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Lisa’s Tips
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. I also love freezing it in individual portions. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- You can use a Russet or Yukon gold potato here. A Russet potato is more starchy so will thicken the soup a bit more, while a Yukon gold potato is a bit creamier for a smoother finish. The choice is yours!
- For the onion, you can use yellow or white onions. Just don’t use red onions as they can sorta muddy the color a bit.
- Don’t forget that you can use the Aleppo pepper for these Turkish eggs! A great, flavorful breakfast or brunch idea.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Behind The Scenes
While some recipes out there use paprika on top for the spiced butter drizzle or Aleppo pepper in the soup in addition to on top (to avoid using two different spices), I had some Turkish friends tell me that both spices are necessary. They said the best red lentil soup always uses paprika in the soup and Aleppo pepper on top of the soup. So, that’s what I did in my recipe!
This is so delicious despite being so simple to make! An immediate inclusion in the meal rotation. The lemon juice and Aleppo pepper butter really take it to another level. I also discovered that leftover butter is amazing on grilled cheese or scrambled eggs.
Great idea on using the leftover butter sauce! Enjoy, Sangeeta.
Where can I find the quantities for the ingredients?
Hi Iona – There is a recipe card towards the bottom of the post (before the comments) that lists out the full recipe and instructions! You can also hit the “jump to recipe” button at the very top and it’ll take you right to it.
Really good! I added more broth since mine came out thick. I will make this again!
Happy to hear you loved this one, Lauren!
So easy and so good. I did olive oil with Aleppo pepper topping, instead of butter, and it was so yummy. You have great soup/chili recipes Lisa! And I appreciate a recipe with the nutrition breakdown, the videos of you making the recipe, and the tips! Keep them coming!
Hi Kerry – I’m so glad you loved this red lentil soup!
As the kids say, ‘this is a W’ winner! The drizzle at the finish with a squeeze of lemon-perfect!
I have a Turkish friend who started me on this and she liked a couple of additions you added. Making again!
Happy to hear everyone loved this lentil soup!
I have never made Lentil soup before. My mom and I made this together and we both loved it. Such a wonderful depth of flavor. I had Aleppo pepper and that really set it off. I think you could also swirl a little sour cream in if you didn’t want or have the Aleppo. We will be making this. I took a pic but can’t find a upload option.
Thrilled you both are loving this red lentil soup, Kelly!
This is so good and so easy!! The Aleppo pepper drizzle really makes it.
Yes, it really does, doesn’t it? I’m happy you loved it, Laurie!
I made this soup. It was amazing, very delicious. Perfect for the winter season. I shared with my friends, all loved it 🧡
I will make it again. It’s a new recipe on my list.
Happy to hear everyone enjoyed this lentil soup! Enjoy, Isabelle.
I wonder if a splash of cream would be good in this. What do you think? I’m going to make this tonight and I’m so excited to try it. Your recipes are always winners in my house.
Hi Laura – yes, a splash of cream would be tasty if love an extra-creamy texture. Let us know what you think after you’ve tried it!
I made this yummy soup. I elected to blend fully. I got stumped on the Aleppo pepper. 🌶️ Could not find it anywhere. Chat GPT told me it is a spice. Not a fresh pepper. AND I asked for substitutions. 3/4 tsp sweet paprika and 1/8 or less cayenne. I decided to skip the sauce this time. And ordered the Aleppo pepper spice.
Hi Melinda – I’m happy you loved this red lentil soup and were able to order the Aleppo pepper. If you watch the video above you’ll see I mix this dried spice with the melted butter. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe when you add that spiced drizzle on your next batch!
This lentil soup was easy to make and tasted great! i’ll be making it again for sure!
Glad this lentil soup was a hit Brian!
The whole family loved it. Very easy to make and the drizzle added nice touch.
Thrilled the whole family loved this red lentil soup, Niki!
The pepper butter and lemon juice brought out the complex flavors of this soup, and took it to the next level!
I really think those two things elevate it as well. I’m happy you loved it, Mary!
This was wonderful! The Aleppo Pepper was a bit difficult to find in my remote, rural area but I did manage to find it (thank God for Albertsons). We served this with a Mediterranean style spinach salad. Not hard to prepare and quite flavorful! This soup was a perfect, healthier winter meal option. I will make this again soon. Delicious!
Yay, I’m so happy you were able to find the Aleppo pepper and enjoyed it! Thanks, Laura!
Easy to make and delicious. Making it for lunches for the second week in a row.
Happy to hear this has become a lunch staple, Shannon!
This soup is amazing! Easy to make and very healthy and satisfying! I squeezed lemon on top at the end and you’re right – it adds something extra special. I couldn’t find aleppo pepper anywhere near me so I ordered it from Amazon, but it arrived damaged so I did not end up making the drizzle but will definitely try it next time. This will be on repeat for winter!!
Oh no! Hopefully you get to try the aleppo pepper drizzle next time, Wendy!
Delicious! Looking forward to this soup for lunch this week after having the flu. My grocery store didn’t have single yukon potatoes, so I used a sweet potato, worked beautifully.
Glad the sweet potato worked out perfectly, Marcy!
My husband is from England. He grew up eating lentil soups and loved anything with abit of spice. This soup was simply the best soup I’ve ever made. The depth of flavor and smooth, thick texture after using the immersion blender makes it feel like you’re in a 5 star restaurant being served their most popular meal. Try it…you’ll make it again & again. I’ve made it 3 times in 2 weeks! 😋
Hi Susan – I’m so happy you and your husband loved this red lentil soup! It really is full of flavor that makes it seem restaurant-worthy. Hope you enjoy it again and again!
My favorite lentil soup! It gives me my protein requirement.
I’m happy to hear you love it, Karen! And yes, I too love that lentil soup is full of good-for-you protein. :)
So flavourful and freezes well!
Happy to hear you’re loving this lentil soup, Jo-Ann!
Made this soup yesterday and LOVED it! A few tweaks. I didn’t have potatoes so I substituted a cup of white canned beans. Also I couldn’t find the Aleppo pepper so I sautéed in a frying pan butter a bit of oil and lemon and chili pepper flakes and drizzled that on top and oh my delish. Hopefully I find the right stuff but if you can’t, try this combo instead. Will make again!
Glad this worked out great with white beans instead, Sue!
Just made this today and, wow, is it delicious! So easy to make and the texture after using the immersion blender (not chucks left) is smooth and so satisfying. We don’t have Yukon gold potatoes where I live so I used the best russet potato I could find. The spice combination is a winner! Waiting for my husband to try it, but he’ll love it since he loves the ingredients. The Aleppo pepper butter (or oil) takes the wonderful flavor of the soup up a notch! It’s a must, I feel. Thank you again for another fabulous recipe Lisa!
Of course, Susan! Happy to hear you really enjoyed this lentil soup.
Delicious!! So very easy to make– definitely a keeper! I did have to use frozen cubed potatoes with peppers bc I accidentally used up all my fresh potatoes earlier in the week but it still turned out fantastic!
Wonderful! Glad you’re loving this lentil soup, Jacquelyn.
Hi again, I’ve left one connent asking about what to replace aleppo pepper with, but I have since found some sources to obtain it. I have already made your Turkish eggs, without it mind you, but I think it would be a great addition in my pantry. Variety is truly the spice of life!
So tasty and easy to make! Definitely a keeper!
Glad you’re loving this lentil soup, Freya!
I made this last night for the family and it was a hit! Simple, rich in flavor, and definitely a go to during winter when sick season is at its peak. I love that most of Lisa’s recipes are for five servings. Great for a weekly meal prep, or for our family of five!
Thrilled to hear everyone enjoyed this soup, Nicole!
I’ve made this amazing recipe and we all loved it!
It’s delicious, filling and nutritious!
Happy to hear this red lentil soup was a hit, Yas!
Made this today. No changes. Delicious soup you have to make. I blended it till smooth, yum
Thrilled to hear you loved this lentil soup, Cindy!
I love starting my new year with a light yet nourishing soup, and this lentil soup hits the mark! I added 1/2 cup more lentils and a bit more broth, so we get to stretch the meal. The aleppo drizzle really jazzes the soup. So good!
This is a great soup recipe to kick off the new year! I’m happy you loved it, Reese!
Yes I made this and it turned out great! I squeezed fresh lemon juice in the soup and added sour cream on top and the flavors popped! Definitely making it again
Wonderful! So happy you loved it, Alison!
So delicious! The lemon juice and Aleppo pepper butter were perfect toppings too!
Glad you’re loving this lentil soup, Sue!
This is an absolutely AMAZING recipe! I made it tonight and it was sooooo good.
I had to make a couple of substitutions because of what I had on hand, and it still turned out super delicious. Chicken stock instead of veggie, gochugaru (a mild Korean red chili flake) instead of Aleppo pepper. But otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. It’s perfection, the whole family loved it – thank you!
Glad this lentil soup still turned out great with what you had on hand, Michelle!
This soup is so easy to make. The lemon juice and aleppo butter take it up to the next level. The soup does turn out fairly thin (might have been the size of my potato). I might use 5 or 5.5 cups of broth/water next time because I tend to prefer a bit thicker soup. Will definitely make it again.
I’m so glad you loved this red lentil soup, Veronica!
yum! starting the first week back at work strong. prepped for lunches. definitely don’t skip the lemon and pepper butter!
What a great way to start the week! Enjoy, Jillian :)
Simple, healthy, and delicious!
Glad you loved this lentil soup, Alanna!
Just made this soup and it was excellent! Next time I’ll double the recipe. 😁
Thrilled to hear you loved this recipe, Ann!
Another winner. Perfect with a crusty piece of sourdough bread and butter. I loved the addition of lemon and Aleppo butter. Thanks, Lisa!
I’m so glad you loved this lentil soup, Alan!
Soothing, comforting, nutritious, fairly simple to make & yummy!
Made this soup tonight – used 2 garlics instead of 3, just personal preference & added 2 stalks peeled & diced celery (Yes, I like to peel the threads off the back of each stalk).
Will make again!
Thrilled to hear you loved this lentil soup, Marcy!
This is so simple yet so perfect. I used green lentils (because I had them on hand) and it worked perfect. I decided to blend half of the soup so I could still have some chunkiness. It was so satisfying. Definitely going to be a staple recipe for me now!
Glad this worked out great with green lentils instead, Leah!
Hi Lisa
Just made and had this soup for lunch, so delicious, the touch of butter and Aleppo pepper on top, great added touch!!!
Happy to hear you loved this lentil soup, Shirleen!
Could I use green lentils, it’s what I have on hand.
Hi Lisa – Green lentils don’t soften the same way at the same time as red lentils, so I do recommend you use red lentils for this soup. But check out my Mediterranean lentil soup recipe where you can use green lentils!
I love all your recipes and this one did not disappoint! I made it last night and it was absolutely delicious. It had just the right amount of spice and heat for a cold New England night. Since I couldn’t find alleppo flakes at my grocers I subbed in paprika and cayenne, and the butter added a sweet and spicy note to the dish. I wouldn’t leave that out! So yummy!
Thrilled to hear you loved this lentil soup, JP!
Can this be done in a slow cooker?
I always used to make Lentil soup on New Year day – just didn’t have time this year – so thanks for posting the recipe. The only thing different I do from this recipe is I soak the lentils over night – to help lessen any gas from the lentils; and I add any left over ham I have from Christmas – just to add more protein and use of the ham. Again, thanks for the posting this recipe.
Glad this came as a good reminder to make lentil soup for New Years, Kathi!
This is incredibly delicious and super simple to make — it’s even good if you’re lazy and don’t feel like whipping out the immersion blender, and leave the potato and carrot whole. 10/10 would make again.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you loved this lentil soup, Alegra!
Insanely delicious. By far my favourite soup recipe (ever!). And I’m not even that keen on lentils! (Although do eat them). I prefer soup that is fully blended so I did that here. I didn’t have any lemon so used 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar which still lifted it nicely. I also didn’t make the pepper butter but may try it some day.
Yay! I’m so glad you loved this red lentil soup, Laura!
Going to make this soup.
I make in a crock pot Red Lentil, Chickpeas, and dice tomatoes.
It is a great hit with my friends
Excited for you to try this lentil soup, Maureen!
I have a lot of the French Green Lentils. Would this be an appropriate substitute for the red lentils, or would it change the recipe too much?
Hi Vickie – You do need red lentils for this recipe. But I have several other recipes on my website that use green lentils. Just use the search bar at the top to find them. :)