Chop a large onion

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large saucepan

$Add the chopped onion and saut\u00e9 over medium-high heat$

Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium-high heat

While the onion is cooking, chop the garlic finely

$When you see the onions start to turn a golden brown color, after about 7 minutes of saut\u00e9ing, add the chopped garlic and continue saut\u00e9ing while turning for another 3 minutes$

When you see the onions start to turn a golden brown color, after about 7 minutes of sautéing, add the chopped garlic and continue sautéing while turning for another 3 minutes

You want to see brown bits of onions and the garlic softened, then remove from heat

Set the onion garlic mix aside into a bowl to use later. I like to use the same saucepan to cook the lentils in for easier cleaning :)

Rinse 2 cups of red lentils about 3 times until water runs clear

$Add rinsed lentils to the same saucepan you saut\u00e9ed the onions in$

Add rinsed lentils to the same saucepan you sautéed the onions in

Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil on medium-high heat Tip: if you need to adjust the amount of lentils you make just remember to add 3 cups water for every 1 cup of dried red lentils

Once it comes to a boil, remove any foam that has formed on top, reduce heat to medium and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes

You want to simmer the lentils until soft and a pale yellow color

Once that is achieved turn heat off and add the salt, pepper, cumin, turmeric and cayenne pepper

$Now you need the hand blender which I find easier as I submerge it into the saucepan of lentils, but you can also use a regular blender. You may also wait for lentils to cool down before pur\u00e9eing them$

Now you need the hand blender which I find easier as I submerge it into the saucepan of lentils, but you can also use a regular blender. You may also wait for lentils to cool down before puréeing them

$Pur\u00e9e lentils and spices on low setting until smooth in texture. Whether you are using a hand blender or a pitcher blender, be very careful as the lentils are hot and steamy$

Purée lentils and spices on low setting until smooth in texture. Whether you are using a hand blender or a pitcher blender, be very careful as the lentils are hot and steamy

You want a smooth texture making sure no lentils remain whole

$Add the onions and garlic saut\u00e9ed earlier to the lentil soup, stir well$

Add the onions and garlic sautéed earlier to the lentil soup, stir well

simmer on low heat for 10 minutes for flavors to combine and you are done!

I like to serve with freshly squeezed lime juice and toasted pita chips

How to make red lentil soup

I love making this quick soup on a cold night as a light and healthy dinner.