Lentil cream soup with wide noodles - Regag adass - Palestinian specific

Lentil cream soup with wide noodles - a delight from the heart of the East

The whole world enjoys warm soups, and lentil cream soup with wide noodles is no exception. This recipe, known as "Regag Adass", is a culinary treasure that combines the simplicity of ingredients with rich and comforting flavors, inspired by ancient traditions and a passion for cooking. It is a dish that will warm your soul, perfect for chilly days or for moments when you want to indulge your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 cups of red lentils (approximately 400 g)
- 200 g wide noodles
- 2 large onions
- 8 whole garlic cloves
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Deli Kat vegetable seasoning (or Vegeta)
- Salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 1 liter of hot water

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing the lentils thoroughly. Make sure to remove any impurities or small stones. This process is essential for obtaining a fine and delicious soup.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a non-stick pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes golden and soft. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also a healthy fat contribution.

3. Adding the lentils and spices: Once the onion is ready, add the washed lentils, ground cumin, and whole garlic cloves. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. This step will help release the spices' aromas and bring depth of flavor to your soup.

4. Boiling the soup: Pour the hot water into the pot, add the Deli Kat seasoning (or Vegeta), and adjust the salt. Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes until the lentils become soft and easily break apart.

5. Blending the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it becomes a smooth cream. If you don't have a blender, you can use a tomato strainer or a food processor. It is important for the texture to be silky, without lumps.

6. Finalizing the soup: Put the blended soup back on the heat, add the finely chopped parsley leaves, and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Now your soup is ready to be served!

7. Cooking the noodles: In another pot, boil the wide noodles in salted water for about 10 minutes until they become al dente. Once ready, drain and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

8. Preparing the fried onions: In an oven-safe pan, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and fry the sliced onion until it becomes crispy and golden. This step will add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

9. Assembling and serving: In an oven-safe dish measuring 23x35 cm, add the cream soup, then the cooked noodles. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Garnish with the fried onion, raw onion, and parsley leaves as desired. You can serve the soup warm or cold, according to your preference.

Serving suggestions: This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or warm pita. You can add a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra flavor. Additionally, natural yogurt or a fresh vegetable salad can excellently complement the meal.

Possible variations: You can experiment with various spices, adding turmeric or sweet paprika to give an extra touch of color and flavor. If you want to enrich the soup's texture, you can add diced carrots or celery during boiling.

Useful tips: If you want the soup to be thicker, you can also add a few diced potatoes, which will thicken the texture. Additionally, if you don't have sumac, you can use lemon juice to add a tangy note.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use green lentils instead of red lentils? Yes, but the cooking time will be longer, so make sure to check the consistency.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

This lentil cream soup is more than just a recipe; it is a story of tradition and comfort, a dish that brings people and beautiful moments together. So, enjoy every bite and don't hesitate to share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!