Ethiopian-Spiced Lentil Soup
Hearty Ethiopian-spiced red lentil soup with kale. Easy stovetop recipe ready in about 30 minutes. Vegan option and tips for swaps and storage.
Humble lentils become a hearty delicacy with this premium blend of Ethiopian spices.
Yield: 4 - 6 servings
- Sauté vegetables with the spice packet, add broth and water, then simmer red lentils and kale until tender.
- Red lentils cook fast and break down for a creamy texture; brown or green lentils need longer and hold shape.
- Make it vegan by skipping dairy, freeze for up to 3 months, and adjust salt and spice to taste.
Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes. The base recipe is plant based. Skip the plain yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan garnish.
What if I do not have the ExactPack spice packet?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons berbere or an Ethiopian spice blend. If you do not have that, mix paprika, cumin, coriander, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little cayenne to taste.
Can I use brown or green lentils instead of red?
Yes. Brown or green lentils hold their shape and need longer cooking. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes and watch liquid levels. Start with the same total liquid, then add more if needed.
How can I thicken the soup if it is too thin?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, mash some cooked lentils against the pot to release starch, or blend 1 cup and stir back in. A tablespoon of tomato paste also helps thicken and adds depth.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes. Sauté the vegetables and spices using the sauté function. Add liquids, lentils and kale, then cook on high pressure for 6 to 8 minutes for red lentils. Do a quick release and check texture, adding a few minutes if needed.
How long will leftovers keep and can I freeze the soup?
Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Kale may soften; refresh with fresh greens when reheating if you prefer more texture.
How do I adjust the salt and spice level?
The recipe starts with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Taste after the lentils are tender and add small amounts until you like it. To reduce heat, use less berbere or omit cayenne. To boost flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of smoked paprika when serving.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes. The base recipe is plant based. Skip the plain yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan garnish.
What if I do not have the ExactPack spice packet?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons berbere or an Ethiopian spice blend. If you do not have that, mix paprika, cumin, coriander, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little cayenne to taste.
Can I use brown or green lentils instead of red?
Yes. Brown or green lentils hold their shape and need longer cooking. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes and watch liquid levels. Start with the same total liquid, then add more if needed.
How can I thicken the soup if it is too thin?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid, mash some cooked lentils against the pot to release starch, or blend 1 cup and stir back in. A tablespoon of tomato paste also helps thicken and adds depth.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes. Sauté the vegetables and spices using the sauté function. Add liquids, lentils and kale, then cook on high pressure for 6 to 8 minutes for red lentils. Do a quick release and check texture, adding a few minutes if needed.
How long will leftovers keep and can I freeze the soup?
Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Kale may soften; refresh with fresh greens when reheating if you prefer more texture.
How do I adjust the salt and spice level?
The recipe starts with 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Taste after the lentils are tender and add small amounts until you like it. To reduce heat, use less berbere or omit cayenne. To boost flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of smoked paprika when serving.
This soup was amazing! Delicious veggies and seasonings.
The Ethiopian-Spiced Lentil Soup is so GOOD! I’ve never tasted anything like these flavors before. Will definitely be ordering again soon.
This was amazing! So flavorful and satisfying!
This seasoning was deliciously flavorful! My boyfriend ate 4 bowls when we made this. Can’t wait to introduce this dish to my weekly meals