As the days grow shorter and the light softens, I find myself leaning into warmth. Into ritual. Into the gentle rhythm of stirring something slow and steady on the stove.

This soup is one of my autumn staples. It’s simple, comforting, and deeply nourishing — the kind of meal that holds you quietly at the end of a long day.

Sweet potatoes bring a natural earthiness. Red lentils add silkiness and depth. A little cumin, a hint of ginger, and suddenly the kitchen smells like calm.

Here’s how I make it

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Red Lentil & Sweet Potato Soup
comforting, gently spiced, and ready in under 40 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp freshly grated)
1 medium sweet potato (about 200 g), peeled and diced
150 g (¾ cup) red lentils, rinsed
800 ml (about 3½ cups) vegetable broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional a squeeze of lemon juice or swirl of coconut milk for serving
Optional garnish fresh parsley, chili flakes, or pumpkin seeds

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, until soft and golden. Add garlic, cumin, and ginger, and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add sweet potato and lentils
Stir in the diced sweet potato and rinsed lentils. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer until tender
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato is soft and the lentils are fully cooked.

Blend if desired
For a smoother texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender. Or leave it rustic and chunky — both versions are lovely.

Season and serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, finish with a drizzle of coconut milk or lemon juice, if desired, and garnish with herbs or seeds.

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This soup doesn’t try to impress. It simply comforts. It reminds me that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful — it just has to be made with care.

I hope it finds a place in your own autumn rituals, somewhere between golden afternoons and soft sweaters.

With warmth,
Heartfelt Recipes