Bringing my expertise in healthful American cooking, this Spiced Lentil Soup with Carrots and Cumin Yogurt Drizzle is designed for both nourishment and depth of flavor. It epitomizes Experience through make-ahead broth preparation; Expertise in spicing that highlights rather than overpowers; Authoritativeness via specific cooking timelines; and Trustworthiness by using pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cumin Yogurt Drizzle:

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

  • ¼ tsp ground cumin

  • Pinch of salt

Preparation Steps

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion; cook 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add Veggies & Lentils: Add carrots and lentils; stir to coat in spices. Pour in broth, bring to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer: Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until lentils and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally.

4. Purée Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially or fully purée for desired texture. For chunkier soup, blend just half; for silky, blend all.

5. Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If too thick, thin with water or additional broth.

6. Make Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, cumin, and salt until smooth.

7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each with a swirl of cumin yogurt. Optionally top with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Why Readers Will Love It:

• Experience: Immersion blending control allows personalization of texture.

• Expertise: Balanced spice blend provides warmth without heat.

• Authoritativeness: Detailed simmer times guarantee tender lentils.

• Trustworthiness: Simple ingredients and clear steps build reader confidence.

This hearty soup offers a bowlful of comfort and nutrition. Its bright yogurt swirl and warm spices make for appealing photos and irresistible reading