Looking for a flexible soup recipe to use up some of your pantry staples and root vegetables? Check out my turmeric lentil soup recipe. I developed this recipe over the years and it's a great way to add anti-inflammatory turmeric to your diet.
Turmeric Lentil Soup Recipe
Turmeric has long been used in East Asian and Middle Eastern cooking and recipes, often with spicier curry seasonings.
I adapted this recipe from an Italian-style soup to include turmeric and a wider variety of vegetables and herbs, like fresh basil.
As my daughters love black beans, I'll sometimes substitute in two cups of beans instead of lentils.
This turmeric lentil soup recipe freezes well. It is inexpensive and a good choice if you're looking for ways to cut costs. Another favorite frugal recipe is this one pot zucchini mushroom pasta.
It's the perfect recipe to help you get through a freezer or pantry challenge when you're trying to use up odds and ends of dried goods and frozen vegetables. Serve it with a slice of jalapeno cheddar bread and you'll have a hearty meal.
Looking for another delicious and inexpensive dish? Try this vegetarian Indian-style Mac & cheese recipe!
As we work hard to secure our food supply, we're also stocking our pantry with dried beans, rice, and lentils.
So I'm always on the lookout for new versions of a good lentil turmeric soup recipe. (And if you prefer a more basic version, try my Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe.)
So rummage through your fridge and add in leftover veggies, rice, pasta, or even add bits of chicken or beef if you have it.
This is also a great soup to make in a large cast-iron dutch oven on a wood stove.
My husband likes to add a few dashes of hot sauce to his, and I like a few tablespoons of shredded old cheddar cheese on mine. And one of my sons likes a dollop of sour cream and green onions on his.
Recipe
Turmeric Lentil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 chopped red or white onion
- 1 cup chopped celery or broccoli
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- ½ cup diced green pepper
- ½ cup diced red pepper
- ½ cup diced potato or sweet potato
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 5 leaves fresh basil OR 2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cartons organic vegetable chicken, or beef broth or 8 cups homemade broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dried green brown or red lentils
- 2 cans diced tomatoes or 4 cups diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Saute onion, garlic, peppers, celery, and carrots in olive oil for 5 minutes.
- Add all remaining ingredients.
- Simmer on low heat for at least 1 ½ hours.
Notes
Nutrition
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HI Deborah - it should state 8 cups. Updated the recipe - thank you!
I had the same question about the liquid. It states 4 cups of homemade which with the 2 cups water is only 6 cups of liquid. Why the difference, please?
Yes, it's correct - it makes a big batch!
Looking forward to making this soup. The recipe says 2 cartons broth which is equivalent to 8 cups plus the 2 additional cups water making it a total of 10 cups liquid? Is this correct? Thanks!
Thank you and you are very welcome. 🙂
Thank you - and great to hear!
So glad you liked it!
Perfect for pantry clear-outs and full of root veggies. My go-to for a hearty, anti-inflammatory meal. Give it a try!
This soup was absolutely delicious! It was the perfect warm and cozy soup. I froze the extras and can't wait to have it again.
I made this soup last weekend and it was delicious! The turmeric gives it a warm, earthy flavor and the lentils make it hearty and filling. I also love that it's so easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful soup.
This is one of my favorite soups to make. Thanks for all your creative, simple, and delicious recipes!
I so love the blend of spices, especially the turmeric. It gave the dish soup a unique and comforting flavor. I served it with some crusty bread and it was hearty and nourishing. So perfect for this cozy weather.
This looks and sounds like a delicious soup!! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party! Have a great week.
I like this recipe and I'm looking forward to trying it. Thanks