Lentil soup

Lentil soup

Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This vegan lentil soup recipe is easy to make and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s made with red lentils, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, and is seasoned to perfection with cumin, coriander, and paprika. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on its own or a side dish to pair with your favorite bread or salad, this lentil soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that has been a staple in many cultures around the world. It typically features lentils as the main ingredient, which are small legumes packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. The soup often includes a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, which are sautéed to develop a deep flavor base. Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric may be added for warmth and complexity. Some recipes also incorporate tomatoes or leafy greens for added richness and texture.

Lentil soup can be enjoyed as a thick, pureed dish or as a more brothy version with whole lentils and chunks of vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include meat or be kept vegetarian, and it’s often finished with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the flavors. Whether served as a comforting meal on a cold day or as a simple, wholesome dinner, lentil soup is a delicious and satisfying option for any occasion.

Lentils provide protein and fiber

Red lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber that go well with a variety of dishes. Red lentils are actually shelled and split red lentils that cook quickly and become soft when cooked. Red lentils are particularly popular in Indian cuisine, where they are used in dals, curries and soups. They are also great as a side dish for salads, pastas and breads. On top of all that, lentils are inexpensive, so they help you save on food costs.

How to use different type of lentils?

There are several types of lentils, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some common types of lentils and how to use them:

• Brown lentils: These are the most common type of lentils and have a mild, earthy flavor. They are great for soups, stews, and salads.
• Green lentils: These lentils have a slightly peppery flavor and hold their shape well when cooked. They are great for salads, side dishes, and vegetarian burgers.
• Red lentils: These lentils have a sweet, nutty flavor and tend to break down when cooked, making them ideal for soups, curries, and purees.
• Yellow lentils: These lentils have a mild flavor and creamy texture, making them perfect for soups, stews, and curries.
• French lentils: These lentils have a firm texture and nutty flavor, making them great for salads and side dishes.
• Black lentils: These lentils have a rich, earthy flavor and hold their shape well when cooked. They are great for salads, side dishes, and vegetarian burgers.

No matter which type of lentils you choose, they are a nutritious and versatile ingredient to add to your meals.

How to prepare lentils?

Preparing lentils is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Rinse the lentils: Place the lentils in a strainer and rinse them under cold running water to remove any debris or dirt.
2. Boil the lentils: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils to the boiling water. The water should cover the lentils by about 2-3 inches.
3. Cook the lentils: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the lentils for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of lentils.
4. Drain the lentils: Once the lentils are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Use the lentils: You can now use the lentils in any recipe that calls for cooked lentils.

Note: Some recipes may require you to soak the lentils before cooking, but this step is optional. If you choose to soak the lentils, place them in a bowl and cover them with water for 4-8 hours before cooking.

How to make lentil soup?

Making lentil soup is simple.

Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the onions on a low heat for about 10 minutes until they have softened. Add turmeric, cumin, paprika and salt. Mix well and fry the spices for a few minutes until fragrant.

Rinse the lentils in a colander and add them to the pot. Pour the vegetable stock and crushed tomatoes on top and add the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Cook the soup for about 20 minutes until the lentils have softened. If you want to puree the soup, do it at this stage. Remove the bay leaves before pureeing. Season the soup with lemon juice and check the salt. Sprinkle fresh coriander or parsley on top.

Enjoy the lentil soup warm with bread or on its own. You can also add vegan yogurt, oatmeal or coconut milk to the soup if you want a creamier texture. Lentil soup can be kept in the refrigerator for several days and it is easy to reheat it in the microwave or in a pot.

Tips for a good lentil soup

Lentil soup is an easy, tasty and healthy food that is suitable for both everyday life and celebrations. Here are some tips to make your lentil soup even better.

Choose type of lentils according to your own taste. Red lentils are soft and puree easily, green lentils are firm and retain their shape, and black lentils are small and aromatic. You can also mix different lentils together.

Rinse the lentils with cold water before cooking. This way you remove any dust or dirt from them and the lentils are also easier to digest.

Cook the lentils long enough, but don’t overcook them. The cooking time for lentils varies depending on the quality and size, but usually around 20-40 minutes is enough. 

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is an easy, delicious and healthy food. Lentils are full of protein, fiber and iron, and they taste great. This recipe uses red lentils, which cook quickly and give the soup a beautiful red color. Lentil soup is also an affordable and ecological option.

Tulosta Tallenna

Kypsennysaika 35 minutes min

Ruokalaji soups

Annoksia 4

Ainesosat

  

• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon cheese cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 dl red lentils
• 1 l vegetable broth
• 1 can crushed tomato
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• fresh parsley or coriander

Valmistus

 

• Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the onions on a low heat for about 10 minutes until they have softened.
• Add turmeric, cumin, paprika and salt. Mix well and fry the spices for a few minutes until fragrant.
• Rinse the lentils in a colander and add them to the pot. Pour the vegetable stock and crushed tomatoes on top and add the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Cook the soup for about 20 minutes until the lentils have softened.
• Season the soup with lemon juice and check the salt. Sprinkle fresh coriander or parsley on top.