Because most red lentil soups rely on the use of a ton of spices, I challenged myself to make one that doesn't require any at all while still being super flavorful.
Challenge complete with this sweet, sour, and a bit spicy lentil soup! It requires just 10 ingredients, one pot, and less than one hour to prepare!
For the aromatics, we have onion, garlic, and ginger, as well as chili to bring some heat. You sautée everything in a large pot for a few minutes or until the onions start to caramelize.
Next, we add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Add the red lentils, water, soy sauce for saltiness and maple syrup for sweetness.
The sourness comes mainly from tamarind juice that also adds sweetness to the soup. To make tamarind juice, let soak about two tablespoons of tamarind paste (the one I use has seeds in it as well) in warm water for a few minutes before straining. Then add the juice to the soup and stir to combine.
A squeeze of lime juice for some freshness and our lentil soup is ready!
I like to serve this soup topped with a drizzle of vegan coconut yogurt and some chopped cilantro. This sweet and sour soup is perfect for winter days when you are looking for a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful meal!
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe!
1-Pot Sweet & Sour Red Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1- inch ginger peeled and minced
- 2 tomatoes finely diced
- 1 small chili Use two if you like it spicy, finely sliced
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 and ½ cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon tamarind paste
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sautée for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and saucy. Add the sliced chili and stir to combine.
- Next, add the red lentils, water, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The lentils must be tender.
- In the meantime, prepare the tamarind juice. In a small bowl, stir together the tamarind paste with the warm water. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before straining to keep only the juice.
- Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the tamarind juice and lime juice.
- Serve with a dollop of vegan yogurt or coconut milk, and chopped cilantro! This lentil soup will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
I made this last night and it was amazing! The depth of flavor was great and so quick and easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe in your email.
You're welcome Debi! 😉
Can you use any kind of chilli powder instead of a chili?
Sure! Use your favorite chili powder and adjust to taste 🙂
This was the best lentil soup I have ever made! Great recipe, highly recommend it. So much flavor. Very happy to have found your blog Thomas!
Thanks so much Louise! 🙂
I agree Louise! This is definitely one of my favorite soups ever!
😉
Great recipe❤️ Full of tastes
Thanks! 🙂
I eat this all the time, I absolutely love the combination and experience of flavours.
Your recipes are fantastic, you are my fave source of recipes!
Thanks so much for your feedback Olive! 🙂
I LOVE IT! The best lentil soup recipe that I've ever tried!
Thanks so much Ariam!
Highly recommend doubling this recipe! Love the combination of sweet, tangy, & spicy(I used 2 small chili peppers). Will add this to my regular rotation for sure!
Thanks so much for your feedback Teresa! 😉
Just took my own advice and doubled this recipe! It freezes very well and I love having it on hand for lunches at work.
Awesome! Thanks for your rating Teresa! 🙂