If you’re looking to warm up with something wholesome, revitalize your body, and savor a bowl that feels like a big, healthy hug, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe. This soup is a delicious blend of spices, protein-packed lentils, and nourishing veggies that cleanses and comforts all at once. Whether you’re new to detox soups or a seasoned soup lover, I’m sharing everything you need to nail this recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Packed with lentils and veggies, this soup gives your body a boost of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
- Flavorful and Cozy: The Moroccan spices bring warmth and a delicious depth that makes detoxing actually desirable.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you use a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, this recipe adapts to your kitchen and schedule.
- Easy to Customize: You can tailor the spices, veggies, and garnishes to fit your taste buds or dietary needs without losing its soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe lies in the harmony of every ingredient—earthy lentils, hearty veggies, and the vibrant spices that give it its signature Moroccan flair. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop and prep like a pro.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Celery: Gives a nice aromatic crunch and balances the sweetness from carrots and onions.
- Carrot: Brings subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- White fingerling potato: Adds heartiness and creaminess when cooked down, perfect for texture.
- Garlic: Essential for that nose-tingling aroma and immune-boosting powers.
- Sea salt and black pepper: To season and bring out all those flavors.
- Turmeric: The star anti-inflammatory spice that adds warm golden hues.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, it’s a Moroccan classic.
- Ground ginger: Adds a kick of freshness and spiciness.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth without heat.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of sweetness to round out the spices.
- Green or brown lentils: Nutty lentils that hold their shape well.
- Red lentils: These break down and add silky thickness.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base.
- Water: To balance the consistency.
- Tomato paste: Adds umami and richness.
- Almond milk (or coconut milk): For a creamy, dairy-free finish.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the soup with a fresh tang.
- Spinach: Added at the end to bring vibrant green color and nutrients.
Variations
I love that this Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe is a welcoming canvas for your culinary creativity. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it based on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving. You should definitely feel free to make it your own!
- Protein Boost: I sometimes add diced tofu or shredded cooked chicken for extra protein — makes it more of a main dish on cold days.
- Spice Level: If you like a little heat, throw in some cayenne or chop up jalapeños right in the pot or as a garnish.
- Veggie Swap: When I’m low on potatoes, sweet potatoes work wonderfully and add a touch of natural sweetness.
- Milk Substitute: Coconut milk gives a richer, creamier texture if you want something a bit more indulgent.
- Slow Cooker Version: Perfect for busy days when you want to toss everything in and come back to an earthy, flavorful soup.
How to Make Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Spices
Start by heating avocado oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, white fingerling potato, and minced garlic. Stir them around and let them soften gently—about 5 minutes is perfect. This is where you build the base flavor, so don’t rush it. After they’re softened, sprinkle in the sea salt, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, ginger, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to toast those spices—this step releases amazing aromas that will fill your kitchen and whet your appetite!
Step 2: Add Lentils and Broth
Next, toss in the green or brown lentils along with the red lentils. Give everything a good stir and let those lentils mingle with the veggies and spices for a minute or two. This little step helps the lentils pick up those flavors. Then pour in your vegetable broth, water, and stir in the tomato paste. Keep stirring until that tomato paste fully dissolves into the liquid, giving your soup a rich and tangy undertone. Turn up the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 30 minutes — enough time for the lentils to get tender and the flavors to really come alive.
Step 3: Finish with Creaminess and Greens
Once your soup has simmered and the lentils are soft, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the almond milk (or coconut milk) for a velvety, creamy texture. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up beautifully and balances the earthiness. Finally, add the spinach and stir just until it wilts—this only takes a minute and keeps it vibrantly green and fresh. Give your soup a taste and adjust seasoning — more salt or pepper if needed — then ladle it into bowls for the big reveal!
Pro Tips for Making Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe
- Toast Your Spices: Don’t skip the step sautéing the spices—it wakes up their flavors and makes a big difference in taste.
- Use Both Lentils: Combining green or brown lentils with red lentils gives you the best mix of texture—a little softness and a little bite.
- Add Greens Last: Add spinach or any leafy greens right at the end to keep their nutrients intact and color bright.
- Don’t Overcook Lentils: Keep an eye on the simmer time; overcooked lentils can get mushy and lose their charm.
How to Serve Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this soup with a little flair — a dollop of coconut yogurt adds creaminess without overpowering the spices, fresh parsley brings brightness, and pepper flakes or jalapeño slices give just the right kick of spice. Cracked black pepper sprinkled on top rounds out the flavors perfectly. These garnishes make the soup feel extra special and add varied textures that keep you digging in.
Side Dishes
Your Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or warm pita for dipping and soaking up every last drop. If you want something fresh, a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed in lemon juice makes a crisp, cooling sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top for added crunch. I’ve also poured it into small glass jars for grab-and-go lunches—it looks so inviting and keeps well. Adding a swirl of infused olive oil or a sprig of fresh mint can elevate the presentation and surprise your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers of this soup, I let it cool completely and then store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so reheated soup often tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to batch cook, this Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It lasts up to 3 months frozen without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
I reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring it back to that perfect soup consistency. Avoid boiling again to maintain the fresh flavors and keep the almond milk from separating.
FAQs
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Is this Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward with clear steps and uses accessible ingredients. Plus, the stovetop method is forgiving, and there are slow cooker and Instant Pot options for convenience.
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Can I use other types of lentils in this soup?
You can, but green, brown, and red lentils together offer the best texture and flavor balance. Other lentils might cook faster or change the soup’s consistency.
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Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan when you choose vegetable broth and plant-based milk, making it great for many dietary needs.
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How spicy is the soup? Can I adjust it?
The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily customize the heat with jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe fills my kitchen with incredible aromas and my belly with hearty, wholesome comfort. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day and nourishes from the inside out. If you’re all about simple, flavorful, and healthy meals that can easily become family favorites, please give this one a try. I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Moroccan Lentil Soup Detox Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Detox Moroccan Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious recipe perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika, combined with fragrant vegetables, lentils, and a touch of almond milk, this soup offers a vibrant taste with a creamy finish. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a wholesome, plant-based dish that supports detoxification and overall health.
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 spinach
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (+ more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (+ more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Legumes and Liquids
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 cup red lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup almond milk (or coconut milk depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Other
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables and Aromatics: Heat the avocado oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, white fingerling potato, and minced garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spices: Season the softened vegetables with sea salt, black pepper, turmeric, ground cumin, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Add Lentils: Add both the green or brown lentils and the red lentils to the pot. Saute them with the spices and vegetables for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to combine well.
- Add Liquids and Tomato Paste: Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves completely and combines evenly with the broth and vegetables.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Let the soup cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the almond milk (or coconut milk), fresh lemon juice, and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts completely into the warm soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup immediately. Optional garnishes include a dollop of coconut yogurt, fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and sliced jalapenos for a spicy, creamy, and vibrant finish.
Notes
- This recipe can also be prepared in a slow cooker by adding all ingredients and cooking for 4–6 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
- For Instant Pot preparation, use the saute setting to cook vegetables first, then add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- The suggested cooking times may vary depending on your equipment, so adjust as needed.
- If using coconut milk instead of almond milk, it will add a slightly richer and creamier texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper as preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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