Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, nourishing meal that warms the soul, you’ve found it in this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just delicious; it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are great for digestion and liver health. Whether you’re whipping this up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

I love how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it can be for different tastes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies! Trust me, once you give this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup a try, it might just become your new go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein from lentils and loaded with fresh veggies, this soup keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily batch cook this soup and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—just reheat and dive in!
• Flavorful Spices: The blend of spices brings warmth and depth to the soup, making each spoonful a delightful experience.
• Family-Friendly: With its rich taste and hearty texture, this soup is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s get cooking!

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 1 cup chopped white fingerling potato
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (+ more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (+ more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Lentils

• 1 cup green (or brown lentils)
• 1 cup red lentils

For the Liquid

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup almond milk (or coconut milk depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Freshness

• 2 – 3 cups spinach

Variations

One of the best things about this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Throw in any seasonal vegetables you like—zucchini or bell peppers would work wonderfully.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Switch Up Your Greens: Instead of spinach, try kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
• Incorporate Grains: For added texture, mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice right before serving.

How to Make Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the avocado oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful base for your soup. Season with salt, pepper, and all those lovely spices you’ve gathered—let them cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas!

Step 2: Add the Lentils

Next up, toss in both green (or brown) lentils along with red lentils. Sauté them for another minute or two so they soak up all those delicious flavors from the veggies and spices. After that, pour in your vegetable broth, water, and tomato paste. Stir well until everything is combined and the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring your mixture to a boil; then cover and reduce heat to let it simmer for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Finish with Creaminess

Once your lentils are tender and have absorbed those rich flavors from simmering away, remove the pot from heat. Stir in almond milk (or coconut milk), lemon juice, and fresh spinach until the spinach has wilted down nicely. This creaminess adds a wonderful texture that makes each bite comforting.

Step 4: Serve Up!

Serve your soup immediately while it’s hot! I love garnishing mine with a dollop of coconut yogurt, fresh parsley sprinkles, pepper flakes for some heat, cracked black pepper, and maybe even some jalapeño slices if I’m feeling spicy. Enjoy every spoonful—it’s seriously so good!

Pro Tips for Making Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup

Cooking can be a joyful experience, especially when you have a few helpful tips up your sleeve to elevate your dish!

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices can make a world of difference in flavor. If you have whole spices, consider grinding them just before use for maximum aroma and taste.

• Adjust the Consistency: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick. This ensures it stays enjoyable for everyone at the table.

• Cook Lentils Separately: If you’re concerned about overcooking lentils, consider cooking them separately. This allows you to control their doneness before combining them with the soup.

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds different textures and flavors to your soup.

• Make it Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week!

How to Serve Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup

Serving your Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup in an appealing way can enhance the dining experience. Here are some ideas to help you present this hearty meal beautifully!

Garnishes

• Coconut Yogurt: A dollop of coconut yogurt adds creaminess and balances out the spices.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bowl.
• Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of pepper flakes can add a little heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs well with the soup’s warmth, adding texture and crunch.
• Crusty Whole Grain Bread: Serve with slices of crusty whole grain bread for dipping; it’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide complementary flavors and extra nutrients alongside this nourishing soup.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light dressing can balance out the heartiness of the soup while adding a refreshing element.

Enjoy crafting your Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup! It’s not just about nourishing your body; it’s about sharing warmth and comfort with every bowl served.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup is perfect for meal prep, as it not only keeps well but also tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Be sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down fully before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and quality.
• To prevent freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave on a defrost setting.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If desired, add a splash of vegetable broth or almond milk to loosen the soup if it has thickened.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious and nutritious soup.

Can I make Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup is ideal for making ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions above to enjoy it throughout the week.

What are some variations of Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup?

You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. Feel free to experiment with different spices too!

How healthy is Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup?

This soup is packed with protein from lentils and contains plenty of fiber, making it a very nutritious choice. It’s low in calories while being filling and satisfying.

Is Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe uses entirely plant-based ingredients, so it’s perfect for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that supports your well-being with every spoonful. Enjoy experimenting with toppings and flavors, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences. Happy cooking!