How to Make the Perfect Soft Lentil and Carrot Soup
American · Easy · 40 min · 6 servings
This warming lentil and carrot soup is blended to a silky smooth consistency that is ideal for toddlers transitioning between textures. It is rich in iron and vitamin A while offering a naturally sweet flavor that appeals to young children.
Why this recipe works
This Soft Lentil and Carrot Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 155 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 3 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon mild turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the carrots
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and cook for 4 to 5 minutes stirring regularly until the carrots begin to soften slightly and the edges take on a little color.
Step 2: Add lentils and liquid
Add the rinsed red lentils, chicken broth, water, and turmeric to the pot and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer until very soft
Cover the pot and simmer for 25 minutes until the lentils have completely broken down and the carrots are very tender. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Blend and cool
Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Cool to a safe serving temperature, transfer to a bowl, and serve to your toddler with soft bread for dipping if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken broth → low sodium vegetable broth to make this recipe fully vegan
- carrots → butternut squash which blends beautifully and has a similar sweet flavor profile
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blending the soup until it is completely smooth which can leave chunks that pose a texture challenge or choking concern for younger toddlers
- Using regular full sodium broth which contains far too much sodium for toddlers whose kidneys cannot process large amounts of salt
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 155 calories, 8g protein, 24g carbs, 3g fat, 6g fiber.
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