There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. This spiced red lentil soup with creamy eggplant is guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly healthy and filling.

Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free!.

: Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils
• 1 large eggplant, chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

: Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add the vegetable broth and dried red lentils to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
4. While the soup is simmering, prepare the eggplant. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chopped eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 20 minutes, until the eggplant is tender and slightly browned.
5. Add the roasted eggplant, coconut milk, and lemon juice to the pot. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
6. Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
7. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley and a dollop of coconut yogurt, if desired.

: Health Benefits

Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, both of which help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. They’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium.

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Eggplant is rich in antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to any diet.

Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative to cream that’s rich and creamy. It contains healthy fats that can help improve your cholesterol levels and boost your immune system.

It’s also a great source of lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.