Name: Golden Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup (One Pot)
Ingredients: Olive Oil; Onion; 3 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Ginger; 1 tsp Turmeric Powder; 1 tsp Cumin; Lentils; Vegetable broth; Tomato; Spinach; 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

Golden Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup (One Pot)

Ingredients

Person(s)

1 tbsp (15ml)
Olive Oil
1
Onion
3 cloves
Garlic
1 tbsp
Ginger
1 tsp
Turmeric Powder
1 tsp
Cumin
1 cup (190g)
Lentils
4 cups (950ml)
Vegetable broth
1 can (14oz/400g)
Tomato
2 cups (60g)
Spinach
1 tbsp
Lemon Juice

Pro Tips for the Best Soup

Don't Skip the Lemon: Red lentils and turmeric are earthy flavors. The acidity from the lemon juice at the end cuts through that earthiness and brightens the entire dish.
Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes dust and helps prevent the soup from becoming too foamy.
Black Pepper is Key: Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. However, your body struggles to absorb it without piperine, a compound found in black pepper. Always use them together!

Directions

Prep
Rinse the red lentils until water runs clear. Dice the onion; mince the garlic; grate the ginger; open the diced tomatoes. Optional: If using carrots (mentioned in directions), dice 1 medium carrot.
Sauté aromatics (5 minutes)
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion (and carrot, if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add garlic and ginger (1 minute):
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds, without letting them brown.
Bloom the spices (30 seconds):
Sprinkle in turmeric and cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly to coat the aromatics; this intensifies flavor.
Simmer the soup (20 minutes):
Add rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until lentils are tender and breaking down, about 20 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
Finish with greens (1–2 minutes):
Stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted.
Brighten and adjust:
Add lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, partially blend with an immersion blender.
Serve
Ladle hot into bowls. Optional toppings: a dollop of yogurt, chili flakes, fresh coriander, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutritions

Calories:
245 kcal
Protein:
12 g
Carbohydrates:
38 g
Fat:
5 g
Fiber:
14 g
Sugar:
6 g

A Bowl of Liquid Gold for the New Year

If you are looking for the perfect meal to ring in the New Year on a healthy note, this Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup is it. After the heaviness of holiday roasts and cookies, January 2nd calls for something bright, warming, and restorative.

This isn’t just a “diet soup”- it is genuinely delicious comfort food. The red lentils break down into a creamy, rich broth without needing any heavy cream, while the turmeric and fresh ginger provide a gentle, anti-inflammatory kick. It is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and incredibly budget-friendly. Whether you are in New York or London, this easy one-pot meal is the best way to hit the reset button.

Ingredient Substitutions (US & Europe)

Red Lentils: If you can’t find red lentils, you can use yellow split peas, though they will take longer to cook (approx. 45 mins). Do not use Green or Brown/Puy lentils if you want a creamy texture; those hold their shape and won’t thicken the soup the same way.
Spinach: You can swap fresh spinach for frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze the excess water out first. Chard or Kale are also excellent substitutes.
Cilantro / Coriander: If you have the genetic trait that makes cilantro taste like soap, swap it for fresh parsley or dill.
Coconut Milk: For an extra creamy, “golden milk” style soup, replace 1 cup of the broth with 1 can of light coconut milk.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits—this is normal!
To Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Place the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat. You will likely need to add a splash of water or broth (about ¼ cup / 60ml) to loosen it up as it reheats.

Why is my red lentil soup grainy?

If the lentils are undercooked, they can be grainy. Red lentils should be cooked until they almost dissolve. If it feels grainy, add a splash more broth and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Can I make this in a Slow Cooker / Crockpot?

Yes! Add all ingredients (except spinach and lemon) to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir in the spinach and lemon just before serving.

Is this soup good for weight loss?

This “Turmeric Lentil Detox Soup” is excellent for weight management. It is high in fiber and protein (which keeps you full longer) but low in calories and saturated fat.