If you’re looking to nourish your body and warm your soul, this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how this soup manages to be both hearty and light, filled with vibrant spices that dance on your taste buds without overwhelming. When I first tried this, I was amazed by how satisfying it felt while still being perfectly detox-friendly. Stick with me — I promise you’ll want to make this one your weeknight go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Flavor: A warming blend of Moroccan spices makes each spoonful an aromatic delight.
- Super Nourishing: Lentils and veggies pack in protein, fiber, and vitamins, perfect for a natural detox.
- Simple & Quick: Uses everyday ingredients and comes together in under an hour, great for busy days.
- Versatile Cooking: Can be adapted for slow cooker or Instant Pot with just a few tweaks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about the ingredients for this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe is how well they all harmonize to create layers of flavor while staying super healthy. Most of these are pantry staples, so you can whip this up any time. When shopping, look for fresh, fragrant spices and tender veggies—they really make a difference.
- Avocado oil: A neutral, heart-healthy oil that’s perfect for sautéing without overpowering the spices.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow or white onions work best.
- Celery: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
- Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- White fingerling potato: Adds body and creaminess to the soup.
- Garlic cloves: A must for that signature aromatic boost.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors—start with a teaspoon and adjust as you go.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds just the right bite.
- Turmeric: The star of detox spices, great for color and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Ground cumin: Earthy notes that anchor the Moroccan profile.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
- Smoked paprika: Smokiness that adds complexity.
- Ground cinnamon: A surprising twist that balances the savory spices.
- Green or brown lentils: Hearty and nutritious, they hold their shape well.
- Red lentils: Cook down quickly and thicken the soup deliciously.
- Vegetable broth: Use low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Water: To mellow the soup and adjust consistency.
- Tomato paste: Deepens flavor with a little tang.
- Almond milk: Or coconut milk, for creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Spinach: Fresh greens that wilt into the soup for a nutrient boost.
Variations
I love that this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe is like a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it based on what you have or your mood. Over time, I’ve found that changing up the greens or the type of milk makes a big difference without losing the soul of the soup.
- Swap the greens: Kale or Swiss chard work beautifully if you don’t have spinach on hand; just add a bit earlier so they cook through.
- Use coconut milk: For a richer, tropical twist that pairs well with the spices, especially smoked paprika and cinnamon.
- Add heat: Toss in extra jalapeño slices or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little kick—it wakes the flavors right up.
- Slow cooker option: I’ve experimented with tossing everything into a slow cooker for a hands-off approach that’s perfect busy days.
How to Make Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Spice It Up
Start by heating the avocado oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven—this step really builds your flavor base. Add the chopped onions, celery, carrots, potato, and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until everything softens and releases its fragrance. Toss in the salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, ginger, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, and cook everything for another 2 minutes to toast those spices. This really wakes them up and deepens the soup’s flavor, so don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Add Lentils and Liquids, Then Simmer
Next, stir in the green or brown lentils and red lentils, letting them sauté with the spiced veggies for a minute or two. This little sautée helps develop a more complex flavor. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, water, and add the tomato paste—stir well until that paste dissolves completely. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it up. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes. Try to resist peeking too much—the gentle simmer will help the lentils soften without breaking apart too quickly.
Step 3: Finish with Creaminess and Greens
Once the lentils are tender and the soup is beautifully thickened, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the almond milk (or coconut milk if you prefer), lemon juice, and fresh spinach. The greens will wilt nicely into the hot soup, adding a fresh burst of color and loads of nutrients. At this point, give the soup a taste and tweak the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, citrusy, and earthy flavors all in one bowl!
Step 4: Serve It Up with Your Favorite Toppings
I like to serve this soup with a dollop of coconut yogurt for creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, some cracked pepper, red pepper flakes, and a few jalapeño slices for heat. These toppings add texture and turn every spoonful into a delight. You’ll find that these little extras really elevate the whole experience.
Pro Tips for Making Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe
- Toast Your Spices: I’ve learned that sautéing the spices with the veggies really amps up their fragrance and flavor—don’t skip this step!
- Lentil Combo for Texture: Using both green/brown and red lentils balances bite and creaminess perfectly based on my testing.
- Adjusting Soup Thickness: Add water or broth gradually during simmering if you want a thinner soup; it’s easier than thinning it later.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Stir it in just at the end to keep vibrant color and prevent it from turning mushy.
How to Serve Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I like topping this soup with a dollop of coconut yogurt—it adds a cool, creamy contrast that’s just dreamy. Freshly chopped parsley brightens the flavors, while a few jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes add a fun little kick. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze more lemon juice can also take it over the top!
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for this soup paired with some warm, crusty whole-grain bread or toasted pita triangles. A simple cucumber and tomato salad on the side brings a fresh crunch that complements the rich soup beautifully. If you’re looking for something heartier, a side of roasted veggies or a grain bowl is perfect too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or cozy Sunday lunch, I like serving the soup in mini bowls garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs—makes the meal feel extra special. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bell peppers or small bread bowls for a fun twist that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture. When stored properly, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup successfully several times—just let it cool completely, portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it’s good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. Lentils hold up surprisingly well in the freezer, so this makes a great meal prep option.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. I recommend adding a bit of fresh spinach or a squeeze of lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavors again.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan when you use vegetable broth and plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk, which are included here. It’s a perfect plant-based meal.
-
What kind of lentils work best?
I recommend using a mix of green or brown lentils with red lentils. The brown or green lentils hold their shape well, giving texture, while the red lentils break down to thicken the soup. This combo creates the best mouthfeel.
-
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Definitely! You can toss all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, sauté veggies first, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes and let natural pressure release for 10 minutes. I’ve yet to perfect the IP method but it’s worth trying!
-
Is this soup good for detox diets?
Yes! The soup is full of whole foods, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, and plenty of fiber from lentils and veggies, which support natural detoxification. It’s gentle yet nourishing for your system.
-
How spicy is this soup?
The base recipe is mildly spiced, focusing more on warmth and earthiness than heat. But you can easily add jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes at serving time to heat it up just the way you like.
Final Thoughts
This Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it feels like a cozy hug in a bowl—flavorful, filling, and totally wholesome. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own. Whether you’re detoxing, looking for an easy dinner, or just craving something delicious and comforting, this recipe won’t let you down. Grab your pot and let’s get cooking—your new favorite soup awaits!
Print
Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A wholesome and flavorful Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup packed with warming spices, hearty lentils, and fresh vegetables. This nutrient-dense recipe combines turmeric, cumin, ginger, smoked paprika, and cinnamon for an authentic Moroccan taste, simmered with a blend of green and red lentils, vegetables, and almond milk for creaminess. Perfect as a comforting, healthy meal that is vegan and gluten free.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup chopped white fingerling potato
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 – 3 cups fresh spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Lentils
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 cup red lentils
Liquids and Others
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 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
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrot, white fingerling potato, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Spices and Seasonings: Season the sautéed vegetables with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
- Incorporate Lentils: Add 1 cup green or brown lentils and 1 cup red lentils to the pot. Stir and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to coat the lentils with spices.
- Add Liquids and Tomato Paste: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups water, and 1/4 cup tomato paste. Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves completely.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Almond Milk and Greens: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup almond milk (or coconut milk), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 2 to 3 cups fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach has wilted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup immediately. For extra flavor, add garnishes such as a dollop of coconut yogurt, fresh parsley, pepper flakes, cracked pepper, and jalapeño slices for a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh notes.
Notes
- This soup can be made in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients together and cooking on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- An Instant Pot variation includes using the sauté settings for vegetables, then adding remaining ingredients and pressure cooking on high for 10 minutes with a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- The recipe is vegan and gluten free by default; you can substitute almond milk with coconut milk as preferred.
- If using canned or pre-cooked lentils, adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 245g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *