Red lentil soup is a versatile dish. It feels like it belongs in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, your grandma’s kitchen, and your own weeknight rotation. It’s fast‑cooking, deeply comforting, and endlessly adaptable, which is probably why so many cultures claim a version of it.
On this week’s episode of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie interviews community leader Theresa “Rese” Schneider. They discuss her nonprofit background and work in Milwaukee. This includes her time at Discovery World. #stellasplayground
Teresa shares the emotional story of her daughter Stella’s cancer diagnosis and recovery. Her experience inspired her to promise to build an inclusive Stella’s Playground at Reservoir Park.
The community-driven project has raised over $1 million toward a $2 million goal. It will feature a purple dragon-themed play area, pavilion, basketball court, art elements, and accessible spaces for all ages.
You can also listen to the audio version of this episode here –
Easy Red Lentil Soup
The episode closes with a kitchen segment. Rese demonstrates an easy red lentil soup. Viewers are directed to the episode description for a link to support Stella’s Playground.
🌶️ What red lentil soup is
Red lentil soup uses quick-cooking red lentils. These lentils break down into a silky, creamy texture. There is no need for cream. Most versions start with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots. They then layer in warming spices such as cumin, paprika, turmeric, or oregano. Many recipes finish with bright lemon to lift the richness.
Easy Red Lentil Soup Ingredients
According to Mediterranean Dish, a Greek‑style version uses tomatoes, cumin, oregano, rosemary, and a lemony finish. The Kitchn highlights a smoky, paprika‑forward version that cooks in about 30 minutes.
🍲 Common flavor profiles for Red Lentil Soup
- Mediterranean brightness — tomato, oregano, rosemary, lemon T
- Smoky warmth — smoked paprika, cumin, garlic
- Turkish-style smoothness — silky texture, simple spices, lemon drizzle
- Hearty vegetable-forward bowls — carrot, celery, onion, greens, herbs.
🥄 Reasons to prepare Lentil Soup
- Fast cooking — red lentils soften in 15–20 minutes.
- Pantry-friendly — lentils, broth, spices, aromatics.
- Protein-rich and vegan-friendly — naturally plant-based.
- Customizable — add coconut milk, greens, feta, chili oil, or keep it simple.
Easy Red Lentil Soup
Materials
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups veggie broth
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 cup Carrots chopped
- 1/2 lemon juiced
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over high heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until sweating
- Stir in tomato, cumin, salt and pepper, chili powder, and sauté 2 mins
- Add broth, 2 cups of water, lentils and chopped carrot.
- Bring to simmer, cover partly, and simmer 30 minutes until lentils are soft
- Use immersion blender to puree half the soup.
- Stir in lemon juice
- Drizzle with olive oil
- sprinkle lightly with chili powder.
Video
Nutrition
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Easy, and healthy Red Lentil Soup
Great soup recipe! Yay for Stella’s playground.