Lentils are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be used in many dishes, but they are particularly well suited for soups. The wide variety of lentil types and colors provides cooks with options to create hearty, comforting soups with unique flavors and textures. When selecting lentils for soup recipes, it is helpful to understand the differences between the common types and colors of lentils available.
Types of Lentils
There are five main types of lentils: brown, green, black, red, and yellow. Each variety has its own distinct size, shape, texture, and flavor that lends itself to different uses.
- Brown lentils are the most common type. They have an earthy flavor and soft texture that breaks down easily when cooked, making them a good choice for soups and purees.
- Green lentils, also called French lentils, keep their shape well when cooked. They have a peppery taste and firm bite.
- Black lentils have a strong, earthy flavor. They hold their shape during cooking but have a soft interior.
- Red lentils are small, split lentils with a mild flavor. They quickly break down into a creamy, golden puree when cooked.
- Yellow lentils are petite and mildly flavored. They get soft and lose their shape as they cook.
Common Colors of Lentils
In addition to being categorized by type, lentils are also identified by their color. The most common lentil colors are:
- Brown – These range from light tan to deep chocolate brown. Brown lentils have an earthy, nutty flavor.
- Green – Ranging from mossy to olive green, green lentils have a grassy, vegetal taste.
- Red – These vibrant orange-red lentils are flavorful and become golden when cooked.
- Black – Deep black lentils have an intensely earthy, mushroom-like flavor.
- Yellow – Buttery soft yellow lentils turn golden yellow when cooked.
There are also more unique lentil colors like speckled blue-green lentils and pink-and-orange marbled lentils. These specialty lentils can add visual appeal and distinct flavor to soups.
Best Lentils for Soup
When deciding which lentils are best for soup recipes, consider factors like flavor, texture, and how well they will hold their shape during cooking. Here are some top options:
- Red Lentils – Red lentils quickly break down into a thick, creamy texture, making them a great choice for pureed soups and curries. Their mild, earthy flavor pairs well with spices.
- Brown Lentils – If you want lentils that hold their shape a bit, nutty brown lentils are a good choice for hearty soups like vegetable lentil soup or lentil chili.
- Green Lentils – For soups where you want the lentils to retain their shape and have some texture, peppery French green lentils are an excellent option.
- Black Lentils – With their rich, earthy flavor, black lentils are nice for creating boldly-flavored soups like black lentil and sausage soup.
- Yellow Lentils – Delicate yellow lentils work well in pureed, creamy soups like curried yellow lentil soup.
The wide variety of lentil colors, flavors, and textures makes them incredibly versatile for all different types of soup recipes.
Flavor Combinations
Certain flavors pair especially well with different colored lentils to create delicious, well-balanced soups:
- Red Lentils – Spices like cumin, curry powder, ginger, and garam masala complement red lentils’ mild, creamy texture in Indian-inspired dals and curries.
- Green Lentils – The vegetal flavor of French green lentils stands up well to assertive seasonings like Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and bold herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Brown Lentils – Hearty brown lentils match well with savory flavors like garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Mediterranean seasonings like oregano and basil are nice complements.
- Black Lentils – The deep, earthy taste of black lentils goes well with umami flavors like mushrooms, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Yellow Lentils – Turmeric, cumin, and coriander beautifully accent yellow lentils’ mild taste in Indian dhals and curries.
Experimenting with different spice blends and fresh herbs can make each lentil soup unique.
Benefits of Lentils
Beyond providing delicious flavor and texture, adding lentils to soup recipes also boosts the nutritional quality:
- Protein – Lentils are an excellent vegetarian protein source, containing around 18 grams per cooked cup.
- Fiber – With 16 grams of fiber per cooked cup, lentils promote digestive and heart health.
- Folate – Lentils are high in folate, an essential B vitamin that supports red blood cell production.
- Iron – Lentils provide more iron than many other foods, helping prevent anemia.
- Magnesium – Necessary for energy production and nerve function, lentils are rich in magnesium.
- Potassium – This mineral in lentils helps control blood pressure.
The combination of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals in lentils makes them extremely nutrient-dense. Adding lentils to soup is an easy way to add extra nutrition.
Tips for Cooking Lentils
To achieve the best flavor and texture when cooking lentils for soup, keep these tips in mind:
- Sort through dry lentils and rinse them to remove any debris or shriveled lentils.
- Smaller lentils like red and yellow cook faster than larger green and brown lentils. Adjust cook times accordingly.
- Presoak larger lentils for a few hours or up to overnight to decrease their cooking time.
- Add aromatics like onions, carrots, and garlic early to infuse flavor.
- Acidic ingredients like tomatoes can slow cooking and toughen lentil skins. Wait to add them until lentils are almost done.
- Undercook lentils slightly for soups that will have extended simmering times to reach the desired texture.
- Puree a portion of the cooked lentils and return to the soup for a thicker consistency if desired.
Lentil Soup Recipes
Here are some delicious soup recipes that highlight the best qualities of different lentil varieties:
Red Lentil Soup
- Red Lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Cilantro
Red lentils quickly break down into a creamy, golden soup with Thai-inspired flavors.
Hearty Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup
- Green lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Swiss chard
- Vegetable broth
- Tomatoes
- Parsley
- Parmesan cheese
Sturdy green lentils retain their shape in this robust vegetable soup accented with tomatoes and Parmesan.
Curried Yellow Lentil Soup
- Yellow lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Vegetable broth
- Coconut milk
- Cilantro
Coconut milk and Indian spices complement the mild flavor of creamy yellow lentils.
Spicy Black Lentil Soup
- Black lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Chipotle chile
- Cumin
- Cilantro
Smoky chipotle chile and earthy cumin balance the robust flavor of black beluga lentils.
Brown Lentil and Squash Soup
- Brown lentils
- Onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Kabocha squash
- Cumin
- Ginger
- Parsley
Kabocha squash adds natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with nutty, hearty brown lentils.
| Lentil Variety | Texture | Flavor | Best Soup Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Creamy, smooth puree | Mild, earthy | Pureed soups, curries |
| Green/French | Firm, stays intact | Peppery, vegetal | Hearty vegetable soups |
| Brown | Soft but keeps basic shape | Rich, nutty | Hearty bean soups |
| Black | Softens but still a little toothsome | Very earthy, mushroom-like | Boldly flavored soups |
| Yellow | Smooth, creamy puree | Mild, buttery | Pureed curries and creamy soups |
Choosing the Best Lentils for Your Soup
With so many options, choosing the right lentils for your desired soup texture and flavor can seem tricky. Here are some handy guidelines:
- For smooth, creamy soups, opt for red or yellow lentils which break down fully.
- When you want lentils to retain their shape, use green or brown varieties.
- For hearty stews and chilis, nutty brown lentils are a great choice.
- Green lentils add nice texture and a pop of color to minestrone or vegetable soups.
- If you want an intensely earthy, rich flavor, go for black lentils.
- Mild yellow or red lentils work well in lightly-spiced pureed curries.
Consider the flavors, spices, and other ingredients you want to use and choose lentils that will best complement them. Testing out different lentil types is the best way to understand their unique qualities and find new favorite soup recipes.
Storing and Preparing Lentils
To get the most out of your lentils, store them properly and prep them well before adding to soups:
- Storage: Keep dried lentils in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They will keep for up to 12 months.
- Sorting: Pick through dry lentils and discard any debris, rocks, or misshapen lentils.
- Rinsing: Place lentils in a strainer and rinse under cool water to remove dust.
- Soaking: For quicker cooking, soak lentils in water for a few hours or overnight.
- Draining: Drain and rinse soaked lentils before cooking.
Taking the extra time to properly store, sort, soak, and drain lentils helps remove impurities and reduces cooking times to yield better soups.
Get Creative with Lentils!
The variety of lentil types, colors, flavors, and textures provides so many possibilities for creating nourishing, tasty soups. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasonal produce, herbs, spices, and other ingredients to design your own signature lentil soup recipes that your family and friends will request time and time again.